Project title: Count Me In! Developing and analysing the efficacy of pedagogical strategies for those providing music education to children with special abilities and needs using the Sounds of Intent framework of musical development
Primary supervisor: Prof. Adam Ockelford (University of Roehampton)
Second supervisor: Prof. Lorella Terzi (University of Roehampton)
University: University of Roehampton, Department of Education
SeNSS Pathway: Education
Collaborative partner: Live Music Now
Collaborative partner supervisor: Dr Ros Hawley
Degree structure: either a three-year PhD programme (+3), or a one year Masters degree followed by a three-year PhD programme (1+3). If you are applying for the Masters and PhD, you will take an MA in Social Research Methods
Project background
Count Me In! is an internationally innovative project that explores the strategies that class teachers and musicians working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities can use to ensure their lessons and sessions are musically inclusive. Count Me In! is underpinned by the thinking set out in the Sounds of Intent framework of musical development and identifies four levels of musical engagement: ‘sound-making’, ‘pattern-making’, ‘motif-making’ and ‘music-making’. The research will entail working with musicians from Live Music Now in four special schools, catering for a range of special educational needs. Differentiated teaching strategies will be created in partnership with the musicians and class teachers, trialled, and their impact on pupils’ capacity to engage in musical activities will be analysed using the Sounds of Intent framework. Beyond the research project, the resources that are created will be made freely available online, potentially transforming music education for pupils in special schools and inclusive mainstream settings. It is anticipated that the student will spend around three days a week at the University of Roehampton (virtually or in person), and two days a week as a member of Live Music Now’s national team.
Project aims and objectives
The Count Me In! project has three main aims:
To ascertain which pedagogical strategies are most effective in enabling class teachers and visiting musicians to work inclusively with young people with a range of SEND, based on the four-fold classification of children’s musical engagement (in relation to sounds, patterns, motifs and pieces);
To investigate whether musicians are able to use this classification to create their own differentiated music resources and investigate whether other support they require to do this; and,
To explore whether class teachers can deliver an inclusive, differentiated music curriculum once the visiting musicians have left a school and, if so, what resources are required to enable this to happen.
Training opportunities
A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisory team. As well as general Social Research Methods, this will include an introduction to the Sounds of Intent framework, the principles underpinning applied musicology and the delivery of inclusive music sessions.
Essential and/or desirable attributes/skills
Prior qualifications: essential - a 2:1 or above at Bachelor’s level or equivalent in music or a music-related field; desirable - a Masters level degree in music or a music-related field,
Prior skills: desirable - advanced music performance skills; advanced music analysis skills; and, a capacity for critical reflection.
Prior knowledge: desirable - knowledge of a range of different musical styles.
Prior experience: desirable - working through music with disabled children or young people.
Studentship details
This studentship will be taken as either a 1+3 year award (a one-year Masters degree followed by a three-year PhD), or a +3 award (a three-year PhD).
Residential eligibility
Home or international students are eligible for a fully-funded award (fees will be paid, and they receive a stipend/salary).
How to apply for this studentship
This competition is now closed.