I recently enjoyed a visit to Gillamoor Primary School to witness first hand the music lessons provided by a charity set up in memory of the late composer and educator, Dr Richard Shephard which is bringing music to primary school children across Yorkshire. The Richard Shephard Music Foundation, which was established following the death of Richard Shephard in February, aims to help more children experience music in classrooms, and at events, across the region.
Since the start of September, the charity has been providing music classes in four schools, including two here in the Thirsk and Malton constituency, Gillamoor Church of England Primary School and Pickering Community Junior School. The Foundation is also set to launch its fifth partnership with Slingsby Community Primary School.
The visit was a great opportunity to show how the work of the Richard Shephard Music Foundation is having an impact on music education in the region. It’s a good example of how schools can work in partnership with other organisations to help deliver a broad curriculum. It was obvious how much the children were enjoying their music sessions and how much knowledge they’d already gained. I will continue to work with the Foundation in future to encourage more collaboration across Thirsk and Malton.
The visit highlighted the importance of music to child development, social skills, self-confidence, listening skills as well as creativity. After joining in with one of the lessons, I spoke to the young people and talked about my role as their MP.
Through the programme, all children participate in both a music lesson and singing assembly at least once a week, plus have the opportunity to take part in a choir or music club. Alongside school music lessons, the Foundation has partnered with the prestigious Ryedale Festival to offer young people the chance to perform and attend events featuring professional musicians.
