Swansea Music

Swansea Music supports schools, educators, and communities through high-quality training and collaborative projects. A recent two-day continuous professional development event brought peripatetic teachers together to explore First Experiences, inclusive practice, and early years music in partnership with national organisations.

BuzzAlong and BandAlong projects introduce whole-class pBuzz in year 3, progressing to full brass bands by year 5. Nearly 1,000 pupils across nine schools have taken part, with the annual PlayAlong Bonanza celebrating their progress in a live performance with an alumni orchestra and a big band.

Inclusion is a key priority, supported by additional learning needs music packs, the Open Orchestra programme in two special schools, and expressive music sessions at Maes Derw Pupil Referral Unit. Pupils also enjoy global music workshops in Taiko, Tabla, and Samba, and advanced jazz learners take part in live experiences through the Swansea International Jazz Festival.

Performance pathways continue to grow, with free music centre sessions, the Six Counties residential course, and concerts at the Brangwyn Hall. New partnerships with BBC NOW, National Youth Arts Wales, and others are creating even more opportunities across orchestral and ensemble music.