All change, please: October 2020 Editorial

Change is one of the few constants in life. The teaching sector has had to grapple with unprecedented demands in recent months, and many have embraced new ways of working at speed. The agility, flexibility, creativity and sheer dedication demonstrated by the teaching profession has been inspiring. Music Teacher (MT) and its sister publication Drama & Theatre (D&T) are celebrating UK teachers who have gone above and beyond during this extraordinary period in educational history, as part of a new campaign, ‘Gold Stars’. If you know a music or drama teacher who deserves a gold star – or perhaps that person is you, dear reader – please send a nomination to goldstars@markallengroup.com. The winners will be announced as part of the Music & Drama Education Awards 2021.

Technology continues to play a pivotal role in our musical lives, with many institutions incorporating ‘new normal’ online lessons as part of blended learning models. Our deepening relationship with video-conferencing software and recording apps is subsequently widening interest in new methods of assessment. Many of these were already in existence before the pandemic, such as Music Teachers’ Board app-based exams (p. 21), and now several major awarding bodies – including ABRSM – are offering options for ‘virtual’, pre-recorded performances.

Music technology is already a subject in its own right, and its importance in the curriculum looks set to rise. We've organised a four-day conference – online, of course – to showcase the latest developments, featuring a range of keynote sessions and practical seminars covering everything from timetables to turntables. ‘Music technology in education’ takes place 12–15 October from 5-7pm each day. (Visit musictechconference.co.uk/home for more details.)

Things are changing here at MT HQ, too: I'm pleased to be handing over the reins to Thomas Lydon, who will be the new interim editor. He's also an MT alumnus, having edited the magazine back in 2014. May I take this opportunity to thank all the readers, contributors, advertisers and publishing staff for your support – I look forward to working with you again soon.

Music Teacher is the UK's only magazine aimed at music educators from across the sector. It is a place where music is valued in and of itself, embracing all genres. We offer up new approaches to pedagogy through in-depth features, engaging opinions, lesson plans and schemes of work. We cast a critical eye over the latest research and products to help inform the conversations that shape musical teaching. This is a platform for raising awareness of the key issues affecting music teachers, and for championing existing efforts to ensure music education is accessible to all.