Mini Musicians

Mini Musicians is a two-year programme, funded by Merton Council and delivered in partnership with Sing Up, and forms the basis of a comprehensive research study led by The University of Roehampton.

Over 650 pupils across Merton will benefit from weekly specialist music lessons in groups at school and over 300 children that are currently in Year 1 will participate in the study. The current Year 1 cohort will also learn to play the melodica, a type of keyboard instrument, and be entered for a nationally recognised inclusive music award accredited by Trinity College London, when they reach Year 2. This is the first time a cohort of this size has been entered for these exams.

‘Music has a unique power to engage with every part of a child’s development, physically, academically and emotionally. We are delighted to be working on this exciting programme for the young people of Merton’ commented David Rees, Merton Music Foundation’s Operations Director.

 The programme launched in 10 Pilot Schools across the London Borough of Merton, including Perseid Lower School in January 2024 and will run until this month, July 2025, following pupils up as they progress into the new academic year.

 Pupils at Perseid have improved their musical skills on a range of percussion instruments, keyboards and melodicas.  Julie Luck, who devised and wrote the programme has been our tutor and we have had visits from Professor Adam Ockleford, who is an expert on SEND music and is  leading the study. The progress pupils have made has been impressive - some pupils Tiger class for example can now play a number of simple songs on the keyboard, melodica and on tuned percussion.