New Primary School Creative Composing Programme

27 May 2025

We are really excited about introducing a new Whole Class Composing module into our intensive Primary School programme. The Earthsong Creative Composing Module, launched in September 2024 and delivered across Years 4, 5, and 6, has been specifically designed to support schools in meeting the UK National Curriculum requirement for composition – a target that many class teachers find difficult to address without specialist input. Delivered by professional composer-musicians, these whole-class sessions bring composition, improvisation, and genre exploration directly into classrooms, inspiring children to see themselves as confident musical creators.

Designed in collaboration with the Bristol Beacon, the new composing module draws on the legacy  of the award-winning Listen Imagine Compose Primary (LICP) research project, with Earthsong lead composer/teacher Richard Barnard – one of LICP’s original contributors – helping shape this exciting new approach.

Over a 10-week period each year, pupils explore a new genre and create original compositions collaboratively and individually. Running alongside Earthsong’s ongoing ensemble and instrumental lessons, these sessions address a recognised gap in primary music education: teacher confidence in supporting creative work. Class teachers are encouraged to take part, gaining the tools and inspiration to lead future creative music-making themselves.

The composer-teacher team brings a broad range of musical backgrounds – from jazz to classical, world music, experimental and song writing. They work closely with Bristol Beacon education facilitators to form a dynamic peer learning network that continually refines and evolves the programme.

Initial early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: Teachers are seeing even the most reserved pupils step into creative and leadership roles, and families and communities are responding enthusiastically to live sharings of the children’s work.

See our news article Earthsong Foundation on the Cover of Music Teacher Magazine for more information about this composing module.