3/4/2025

Year three pupils from schools across Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan have been receiving free music lessons using pBuzz, voice, and woodwind instruments, in alignment with the Curriculum for Wales. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to enhance music education and provide enriching experiences for young learners.

The highlight of this year's program is the First Experiences celebration, which culminated in a massed workshop and performance. The event brought together over more than 1,800 pupils from 39 schools at The All Nations Centre, where they showcased their musical talents by playing and singing bilingually, accompanied by a live professional jazz band and vocalists from CF Music Education(formally Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service).

The initiative has been supported by the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) and delivered by CF Music Education tutors and professional musicians. The program includes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers, now commonly referred to as Professional Learning, and school workshops. These efforts have significantly boosted teachers' confidence in using songs and pieces from Charanga Cymru, supported by CF Music Education's commissioned classroom resources.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "We are committed to enhancing music education and fostering a love for music among young learners. An important part of this is supportingschools and teachers in providing exciting opportunities for children and young people to experience the joy of music making, in the with the Curriculum for Wales.

"The First Experiences celebration showcases the talents of some of our youngest children and the work of CFMusic Education in providing music lessons, ensembles, performances, professional learning, and a musical instrument library for schools and communities across Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan."

Since October 2024, over 71 schools have participated in CF Music Education's free CPD sessions or have received pBuzz, Expressive Arts, and Music workshops or training. The program has also provided whole school training on theCharanga Cymru Digital Music Platform.

CF Music Education offers a comprehensive range of music lessons, ensembles, performances, professional learning opportunities, and a musical instrument library for schools and communities. The service has undergone significant transformational changes over the past two years, including the creation of new leadership posts, an expanded office team, and the launch of various initiatives such as a new parent billing system, an instrument loan scheme, a music recording and production studio and a new communications system.

In September 2024, CF Music Education launched the CF Music 'Academi' to support the most able and talented learners in partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and tutors from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera. These efforts have led to increased access to music education for children and young people, improved relationships with schools, and strengthened local, regional, and national partnerships.

The National Plan for Music Education which launched in September 2021, has provided a clear vision and additional resources to support music projects across Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan. The First Experiences program alone has delivered musical experiences to over 18,504 primary school-aged children since January 2022, offering opportunities to explore a wide range of instruments and participate in various workshops, including those designed for special schools and settings.