Music For Life

Music for Life is a visionary project which is helping transform lives in the Kensington area of Liverpool, one of the most deprived wards in Britain. The basic concept of this education programme is to provide a wide variety of music and music-making opportunities to children, teachers and families in a defined catchment area in order to have a significant and long-term effect on the community.

The keystone of Music for Life is a long-term link between each school and a musician from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The adopted musicians visit their school on a weekly basis delivering workshops in a variety of formats. This regular activity encourages the children to believe that they are entitled to creative musical experiences, regardless of whether they – or their parents – see them as ‘musical’.

Jenny Comish – Kensington Infant School Head Teacher
“Without a doubt the Music for Life project is one of the most exciting, successful and forward looking initiatives we have ever been involved in.”

Although the majority of activity takes place in the primary schools, other workshops and events take place in the Kensington area drawing in other members of the community. Examples include the Music for Life Kensington Community Choir which started in September 2005. The choir is led by Gareth Owen who also directs the Liverpool Philharmonic Community Choir and is made up of people aged 50 – 80 years. They meet once a week and have done several performances to date throughout Liverpool.

At the other end of the spectrum Music for Life has offered opportunities to 0 – 5 year olds and their parents. Two series of ‘First Notes’ workshops have taken place involving RLPO musicians working closely with the participants building their confidence, enthusiasm and encouraging stronger relationships between parent and child.

Paula Hollis, parent involved in the First Notes series talking about her 2 and 3 year old children:
“The workshops have enhanced their ability to concentrate and memory skills.”

Music for Life is funded by Kensington Regeneration and the Foyle Foundation and is managed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Music for Life Documentary

Filmed between February and June 2005, this documentary presents a snapshot of the extensive activities offered by the Music for Life programme.

The documentary, 'Music for Life' is available to view and download in the following formats:

'Music for Life' documentary QuickTime Format - 60.6MB

'Music for Life' documentary Windows Media Format - 60.4MB

 

Music for Life in the Media

Playing for real
The Guardian, 11 January 2006