As the school year draws to a close, it can be tempting to put next year’s planning to one side until September. However, spending a little time preparing now can make a significant difference to your confidence and effectiveness when teaching music next year. Here are ten simple things you can do before the summer break.
1. Review what worked well
Take a few minutes to reflect on this year’s music lessons. Which activities engaged pupils most? Which resources were particularly effective? Identifying successes helps you build on them next year, and avoids you making the same mistakes with your new class!
2. Identify areas for development
Be honest about the aspects of music teaching you found more challenging. Whether it’s singing, notation, composition, or using instruments, recognising areas for growth is the first step towards improving them. Once you know what you’re struggling with, you can put a plan in place to fix it. Ask your music subject leader for support, approach your trust music lead if you’re in a MAT, or your music hub if you’re based in England; there are plenty of people out there who would love to help you!
3. Organise your resources
Check what resources you already have available. Create folders, label equipment, and ensure digital files are easy to find. A well-organised music cupboard can save valuable lesson time, and means you’ll never be stuck for ideas.
4. Audit your instruments
Count and check classroom instruments before the end of term. Repair, replace, or reorder anything that is missing or damaged so you’re ready to start the new year smoothly. That way you don’t discover halfway through a lesson that you can’t teach what you had planned, and avoid any unnecessary panic!
5. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum
Spend some time revisiting your school’s music curriculum. Understanding the progression of knowledge and skills will help you teach with greater confidence and purpose.If you’re not sure about any of it, ask your music subject lead for advice, or if you’re using a bought-in scheme, contact their customer services department with your queries; they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
6. Listen to a wider range of music
One of the easiest ways to develop your musical knowledge is simply to listen. Explore different genres, cultures, and historical periods. The more music you know, the more examples you can bring into the classroom. Maybe make a shortlist of Spotify playlists to listen to while you take a well-earned relax on your sun lounger over the holidays!
7. Develop your own musical confidence
You do not need to be a musician to teach music well, but developing your own confidence can make a real difference. Learning a few songs, practising rhythms, or exploring simple musical concepts can all help. Our Confidence in Primary Music self-guided course will help you get to grips with all the inter-related dimensions of music, so that you understand both what they are and how to teach them effectively. Through interactive resources, and videos of real classroom teaching, you’ll build a solid foundation across all the theoretical concepts of music including staff notation, and be ready to teach your next class with confidence.
8. Plan key musical experiences
Think ahead to the musical opportunities your pupils might experience next year, such as performances, assemblies, concerts, or special events. Early planning reduces pressure later; imagine stepping into September knowing which songs you were going to prepare for your Christmas assembly! Game changing!
9. Explore professional development opportunities
Summer can be an excellent time to engage in professional learning. A short course, webinar, podcast, or article can provide fresh ideas and practical strategies for the classroom. Check out the links to some of our summer CPD offers below!
10. Remember that good music teaching is achievable
Many primary teachers worry that they are not “musical enough” to teach music. The reality is that effective music teaching is about creating meaningful musical experiences, encouraging participation, and supporting pupils’ musical development, not about being a professional-standard musician yourself. With the right preparation and support, every teacher can teach music successfully.
A small amount of preparation now can lead to a much more enjoyable and successful year ahead. By taking a few practical steps before the summer break, you’ll return in September feeling organised, confident, and ready to help your pupils make music.
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