MusicLeader aims to raise the quality of music leadership in the UK by providing training, resources, and support to music practitioners. Funded by Youth Music, MusicLeader operates a national network that offers information, advice, guidance, and professional development opportunities to over 16,000 individuals and organizations. Its goals are to equip music leaders with the skills needed by employers and advocate for the importance of investing in music leadership.

1. Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership in the UK

2. “In terms of Youth Music’s commitment to supporting the professional development
of music practitioners over the last ten years, our development of MusicLeader
undoubtedly occupies a special place. Youth Music aims to increase the number of
high quality music making activities for children and young people and in order to
make this happen, it requires that a high standard of music leadership takes place.
This is where MusicLeader aims to provide help and support.”
Christina Coker, CEO of Youth Music.
MusicLeader is funded and developed by Youth Music and
delivered by key partners across the country.

3. A major force working to support music leadership About Us
MusicLeader exists to raise the quality, value and impact of music
leadership in the UK.
Funded by Youth Music, MusicLeader is a unique national network which supports the development of the music leading
workforce, equipping it with the knowledge and skills required by employers.
We do this by providing:
• Information, advice and guidance
• Training and networking opportunities
• Online resources (www.MusicLeader.net)
We also advocate for the importance of music leading and the need for investment in this area of work.
MusicLeader works with any individual or organisation interested in delivering music making activities, no matter what
their experience or back ground - Community Musicians, Instrumental Teachers, Workshop Leaders, Mentors, Classroom
Teachers, Trainers, Project Managers, Employers, Arts Organisations, Schools, Local Authorities…the list goes on!
MusicLeader is delivered in partnership with specialist regional organisations; via this national network MusicLeader “I feel fortunate
members have access to an unparalleled range of expertise and experience. We work alongside other key workforce
development (WFD) and continuing professional development (CPD) initiatives in the sector and signpost our members to
that there is support
these on an ongoing basis. available and that
Since our launch in 2005 more than 16 000 individuals and organisations have signed up to the MusicLeader Network.
music leaders
Sign up today and see the difference. Visit www.MusicLeader.net. are recognised as
professionals.”
Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership in the UK 02

4. Our Services Information, Advice & Guidance
MusicLeader offers expert advice, guidance and support services
via its Regional Networks placed across the country. We pride
ourselves on being friendly and approachable, and we’re always
on hand to provide advice on the phone, in person or by email.
DNA - Development Needs Analysis Start Up
Our DNA programme provides valuable tailored Our new Start Up programme gives music
advice, helping music leaders to create their own practitioners who are new to the sector an
Professional Development Plan and identify training introduction to the world of music leading. We
opportunities and relevant support. To date, we’ve help you to identify relevant work and training
helped more than 600 music leaders in this way. opportunities and ‘ways in’ to what’s going on
Find out more at regionally and nationally. Find out more at
“I really appreciated www.MusicLeader.net/DNA www.MusicLeader.net/StartUp
the opportunity to
be listened to and
hear the advisor’s
perspective. He was Got a question or need some advice?
Get in touch with your local MusicLeader Regional Network and they will more than happy to assist.
perceptive and got See contact details on page 14.
straight to the core
issues in a short
time.”
03 Join the network and see the difference. Visit www.musicleader.net.

5. “MusicLeader really gave me the
kick start I needed... and through
the workshops I developed the
confidence to apply for the brilliant
job I’ve got now, so thanks again!”

6. “An awesome way to make
contacts to begin talking to
people about the possibilities
of work available.”
Photo credit: Dan Brady

7. Training & Networking Opportunities Our Services
Since 2005 more than 7 000 people have taken advantage of our
training and networking opportunities. Feedback from practitioners
and employers alike tells us that it is one of the most highly valued
services we provide. “The best, most
useful course I
Our programme is incredibly diverse. Working in partnership with training experts, we can help you to develop core have ever been
music leadership skills, as well as introduce you to new, more specialist practice such as Kodály concept and Dalcroze
Eurhythmics. We also provide training opportunities in project management, fundraising and many other key on in 30 years of
business areas. teaching. The impact
We not only provide our own training programme but also signpost to other training opportunities too. If you are a on myself and
training provider get in touch with us and promote your events through MusicLeader today. the children was
Visit www.MusicLeader.net/training.asp to see what is going on in your area. immediate.”
“I am really
impressed by the
range of events and
activities on offer,
and also by how
friendly and inviting
the service is.”
Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership in the UK 06

8. Our Services Online Resources
The MusicLeader website and our regular e-bulletins keep our
members up-to-date, signposting them to a range of professional
development opportunities and useful information about music
leadership.
Our e-bulletins are sent to over 16 000 people each month. For industry bodies and employers they are a direct ‘way in’ to
practitioners and an important recruitment tool.
MusicLeader.net’s news, job and training sections receive thousands of hits each month, while our online toolkit
(www.Musicleader.net/toolkit) - case studies, music leading guides and related articles – means that members can develop
their knowledge at their own pace.
“As a freelance
musician, the
MusicLeader
e-bulletin is my
notice board.”
07 Join the network and see the difference. Visit www.musicleader.net.

9. “You can have a degree but
you can’t necessarily teach.
MusicLeader does a great job of
filling the gap.”

10. “Its free and a wonderful
resource. Community musicians
and orchestral players can really
learn from each other.”

11. Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership Our Services
The Music Education Code of Practice: Originally developed by
and for the profession through MusicLeader and Sound Sense.
The Music Education Code of Practice aims to help music practitioners get better at what they do, so they can
provide better music making and learning experiences for the people they work with. The Code does this by
providing a set of quality statements concerning all aspects of music learning:
• Be prepared and well organised
• Be safe and responsible
• Have appropriate musical skills
• Work well with people
• Evaluate and reflect on my work
• Commit to my own professional development
By adopting the Code, practitioners demonstrate their commitment to quality work. By using the Code as a
benchmark, employers and hirers of practitioners demonstrate their commitment to requiring high-quality practice
of those who work for them. “Sign up to
MusicLeader! It will
give a wonderful
Want to know more? opportunity to
MusicLeader is a proud supporter of the Music Education Code of Practice. To find out more about the Code and reflect, learn
how it can help you visit www.MusicLeader.net/codeofpractice
and extend your
knowledge and
experience.”
Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership in the UK 10

12. Our Services Accessing Our Services
Taking advantage of any one of our services is simple – just sign up
for free at MusicLeader.net.
We have three grades of membership:
Associate Professional Organisation
For those wanting to stay For practicing music leaders. For employers and training
in touch with what is providers.
happening regionally and You are entitled to the same
benefits as Associate membership You are entitled to the same
nationally. as well as the added benefit of benefits as Professional
being able to list your details in membership with the added
Access the MusicLeader Toolkit
our directory and promote your benefit of being able to post jobs
– news, jobs, professional
services. and promote your professional
development opportunities, guides
“I get a lot of and subscribe to our e-bulletins. development opportunities via our
approaches from website and e-bulletins.
post grads for
freelance work but I All members automatically receive a 50% discount on MusicLeader’s training and
tell them that their networking opportunities.
first step is to join
MusicLeader.”
11 Join the network and see the difference. Visit www.musicleader.net.

13. “The quality of the MusicLeader’s
training gives non formal work
credibility.”

14. “MusicLeader has been
approachable, knowledgeable
and very supportive of our
organisational needs.”

15. Regional Enquiries Contact Us
MusicLeader East of England MusicLeader North East MusicLeader South West
e. east-england@musicleader.net e. north-east@musicleader.net e. south-west@musicleader.net
w. www.musicleader.net/east-england w. www.musicleader.net/north-east w. www.musicleader.net/south-west
Hosted by The Garage Hosted by The Sage Gateshead Hosted by Colston Hall
MusicLeader East Midlands MusicLeader North West MusicLeader West Midlands
e. east-midlands@musicleader.net e. north-west@musicleader.net e. west-midlands@musicleader.net
w. www.musicleader.net/east-midlands w. www.musicleader.net/north-west w. www.musicleader.net/west-midlands
Hosted by SoundLINCS Hosted by GMMAZ Hosted by mac
MusicLeader London MusicLeader South East MusicLeader Yorkshire
e. london@musicleader.net e. south-east@musicleader.net e. yorkshire@musicleader.net
w. www.musicleader.net/london w. www.musicleader.net/south-east w. www.musicleader.net/yorkshire
Hosted by Sound Connections Hosted by Rhythmix Hosted by Yorkshire Youth & Music
National Enquiries
MusicLeader National Team
Youth Music
One America Street t. 020 7902 1060 Got a question?
London f. 020 7902 1061 Contact your
SE1 0NE e. enquiries@musicleader.net
United Kingdom Registered charity number: 1075032 nearest MusicLeader
network for more
information.
Join the network and see the difference. Visit www.musicleader.net. 14

16. Raising the quality, value and impact of music leadership in the UK
Join the network and see the difference. Visit www.musicleader.net.