Introduction
During the summer term, schools often share updates on class allocations and subject leadership roles. If you’ve just been given the role of music subject leader for the next academic year, congratulations! Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, this guide is here to help you feel supported from the start. You’re not alone and you don’t have to do it all at once. Not everyone feels at home teaching music and leading it as a subject adds a new layer. But whether you're a music lover or someone who's learning alongside the children, your leadership can shape a positive, inclusive music culture in your school. This blog is here to help (new) music subject leaders take their first positive steps into the role without the overwhelm!
Before September: your summer checklist
Here are some things to consider over the summer as you prepare for the year ahead. These aren’t demands, just helpful starting points for you to think about.
- Review your school’s music curriculum map: Does it flow well across the year groups? Is there progression? Are there gaps or overlaps? How is learning, evidence and assessment captured? Is it time consuming or easy and beneficial?
- Audit instruments and resources: What do you have? What’s missing or in need of repair? What do you need? Are items labelled, easy to find and accessible? Consider whether your resources are age-appropriate:
- 🎵Early Years e.g. hand bells, egg shakers, claves
- 🎵KS1/Lower KS2 e.g. tuned percussion like chime bars, untuned percussion like small drums, tambourines
- 🎵Upper KS2 e.g. ukuleles, keyboards, djembes, recorders A well-balanced selection helps ensure progression and accessibility for all year groups.
- 🌟Top tip: glockenspiels are great across all primary years.
- Label and refresh your music space: Make it user-friendly. Labels, clear zones and storage help both pupils and staff feel more confident in instrument recognition and makes resources accessible. Replace any missing resources or ones that look a bit tired!
- Gather pupil and staff voice: Even simple conversations can give valuable insight into what’s working and what needs refreshing. Some questions you could ask:
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- Review your school’s music policy and development plan: Check it aligns with your school's ethos. Is the vision for music clear and meaningful?
- Check timetables and liaison with your local music service: Confirm when and how peripatetic teachers visit to deliver instrumental / singing lessons / wider opportunities (whole class tuition). Do they manage their own timetables, or do you need to review them? Book key events early in the calendar.
- Book onto CPD or networks: Find support, training, or other leaders to connect with. Check out your local music hub for support. You don’t need to know everything. But you can be the person who helps others feel more confident teaching music.
Long-term thinking
Your leadership in this role is a journey. Over time, you might think about building performances, partnerships, or even leading musical enrichment projects, but for now, getting the basics in place is a brilliant first step.
Final encouragement
At Get Set 4 Education, we want to help you feel empowered in your role. We offer free 1:1 Zoom calls to answer any questions you may have. Whether it’s guidance on writing a music policy, or reviewing your curriculum map, reach out to us to book a call with one of our music specialists. You don’t have to turn into a musical wizard overnight. Your passion, organisation, and care for the subject will shine through. Start small, stay curious, and remember, you’re already making a difference.