Roehampton’s research into inclusive music education is making a national and international impact, thanks to the pioneering work of Professor Adam Ockelford and the University’s Applied Musicology Group.
Based in the School of Education at the University of Roehampton, Professor Ockelford leads research into how people of all abilities engage with music through a groundbreaking framework known as Sounds of Intent (SoI). This approach helps teachers and music leaders understand how children, young people and adults, regardless of ability, experience music in different ways.
Roehampton’s research is helping to shape the delivery of music qualifications across the country. Trinity College London’s Awards and Certificates in Musical Development (ACMD), designed with the support of the Sounds of Intent framework, are the first fully inclusive music qualifications available to all learners, including those with severe or profound learning difficulties.
These qualifications can be entered by schools, community groups or private teachers, and provide a route for students to gain recognised achievements through music-making in any style or genre.
Professor Ockelford highlighted that Roehampton’s inclusion in the UK Music MAP mini report demonstrates how far the sector has come in creating music opportunities for everyone:
“It’s a big step forward. The research we’ve done at Roehampton has helped build the structure for these inclusive awards.”
The Sounds of Intent framework has not only made a mark nationally, but also internationally. It has been translated into multiple languages and is referenced in both policy and practice guidance. Closer to home, it was cited in the UK government’s 2022 National Plan for Music Education, The Power of Music to Change Lives.
A strong example of SoI in practice is the Mini Musicians project in the London Borough of Merton. Over 600 children, including those in specialist schools, are learning to play the melodica as part of a two-year music programme. Most of the children are just 4 to 6 years old, showing that inclusive music learning can begin much earlier than commonly expected.
Professor Ockelford hopes this national recognition will pave the way for more opportunities for learners with additional needs. The aim is to expand access to qualifications, support music hubs and schools in adopting inclusive teaching methods, and ensure music skills are recognised, particularly for those who have previously been excluded from formal exams.
To further support the development of inclusive music education, the University of Roehampton offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Music and Children with Special Needs: Sounds of Intent. This course is designed for anyone wishing to specialise in inclusive music education using the SoI model. It is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making music accessible to all.
To find out more about this programme, please visit: PGCert Music and Children with Special Needs: Sounds of Intent.