The countdown is officially on! September is just around the corner, and I’m thrilled to be heading to Singapore for the upcoming FOBISIA Music Teachers’ Conference.
As a music educator, there’s nothing quite like the energy of gathering with dedicated, like-minded colleagues. It’s a unique space to share ideas, spark new inspiration, and tackle the unique challenges and triumphs of international music schooling. This year, I Can Compose is proud to be exhibiting, and I’m excited to connect with so many of you in person.
Beyond hosting the exhibition stand (where I hope you’ll come and say hello!), I have the privilege of delivering two sessions where I’ll share practical approaches for teaching composition. Thank you to Thomas Watkins at Dulwich College Singapore for inviting me to speak.
Whether you teach early years, primary or secondary students, I’d love for you to join me. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be exploring together:
1. Primary Classroom Composing Toolkit
Standing in front of a primary class with a room full of glockenspiels, percussion, and boundless energy can feel a little daunting when it’s time to compose. But it doesn’t have to be! In this session, we’ll demystify the primary composing process.
We’ll explore highly practical, scaffolded creative frameworks and you’ll walk away with a toolkit of ready-to-use warm-ups, vocal prompts, and visual structures that encourage children to explore sound confidently, collaborate beautifully, and take ownership of their own musical choices.
2. Secondary Classroom Composing Toolkit
This session is all about empowering older students to think like true composers. We’ll delve into engaging strategies for teaching harmony, rhythm and melody and bring it all together with a tried-and-tested method which be adapted for different ability levels.
Why Composing Matters
At I Can Compose, I believe that composing isn’t an elite skill reserved for the naturally gifted – it’s a practical, teachable craft.
Both sessions include a digital resource folder.
Come and Say Hello!
When I’m not leading sessions, you can find me at the I Can Compose exhibition stand. Please stop by! I would love to hear about how composition is going in your school, chat about your current curriculum goals, or simply exchange stories about classroom life. There will be plenty of resources on display, giving you a firsthand look at how we support teachers and inspire students globally.
The FOBISIA conference is always a highlight of the educational calendar, offering a brilliant reminder of why we do what we do. Safe travels to everyone making the journey to Singapore this September. Get ready for a wonderful couple of days of learning, networking, and musical inspiration.
See you in Singapore!
