Removing barriers in whole-class ensemble teaching

In 2011 the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) called for ‘equality of opportunity for all children’ (DfE & DCMS, 2011, p.8). Despite this, some research evidence has found that whole-class ensemble teaching (WCET) has been frequently cited as a barrier to music-making for pupils with disabilities, and that a key factor is the diffculty of accessing suitable instruments (Take It Away, 2018). This is compounded by a ‘lack of knowledge’ (Youth Music, 2020, p.10) regarding adapted instruments and equipment. The refreshed NPME, meanwhile, states that ‘a high quality music education is the right of every pupil. It should be inclusive of all, regardless of additional needs…’ (DfE & DCMS, 2022, p.42). It is crucial, therefore, that the notion of inclusivity remains within our discussions about music education.