Whole Class Practical Musicianship (WCPM)

Every child can make music.

What happens when an entire class gets the chance to pick up an instrument, explore musical ideas and make music together? A whole lot of musical discovery!

Bucks Music Trust’s Whole Class Practical Musicianship (WCPM) programme brings practical music-making into the classroom, giving children the opportunity to develop their musical skills by actually playing instruments - not just learning about music, but experiencing it for themselves.

Designed to complement your school’s music curriculum, WCPM gives children the chance to discover what they can do, develop their confidence and experience the excitement of making music together.

Music you can see, hear and feel.

WCPM gives children the opportunity to experience music through practical, hands-on learning, while supporting the delivery of a rich and engaging music curriculum.

Our specialist tutors work alongside your school’s teaching staff to help children develop their musical skills, confidence and creativity. Sessions are designed to get every child involved, making music an active, collaborative and enjoyable part of school life.

Whether you are looking to enrich your existing music provision or give pupils new opportunities to explore instruments and develop their musical understanding, WCPM can help bring music to life in your classroom.

Through practical, engaging sessions, children explore:

• Playing instruments – developing coordination, listening skills and an understanding of how instruments work.
• Rhythm and pulse – discovering how music fits together and learning to play as part of a group.
• Singing and listening – developing their musical awareness, pitch and sense of ensemble.
• Creating and improvising – experimenting with sounds, sharing ideas and discovering their own musical creativity.
• Performing together – learning to listen to one another, work as a team and take pride in what they achieve.

The emphasis is on active participation, enjoyment and musical development. Every child has the opportunity to get involved, contribute and experience the satisfaction of making music with others.

More than a music lesson.

Learning music together can be a powerful experience. Children discover how to listen, concentrate, collaborate and express themselves, while developing the musical foundations that can support their future learning.

Just as importantly, WCPM can open a door to something new. A child who has never considered themselves musical might discover a real enthusiasm for playing an instrument. Another might find that they love performing as part of a group.

We want children to leave their WCPM sessions feeling inspired, excited about music and keen to do more.

Where could their musical journey lead?

For some children, WCPM will be the start of a lifelong love of music. Others may discover an instrument they would love to learn, or the excitement of singing and playing as part of an ensemble.

Bucks Music Trust offers a wide range of further opportunities for children who want to continue making music, including instrumental and vocal tuition, ensembles and activities at our Music Centres.

Find out more about instrumental and vocal tuition and our pricing.

Contact your local Bucks Music Trust Music Centre to start the conversation.