Charanga develops bilingual digital music platform for schools in Wales

Funded by the Welsh Government, every school in Wales can access Charanga Cymru free of charge by signing up on the National Music Service’s website. The new bilingual digital music platform provides every school and music service in Wales with resources and training for Curriculum for Wales and First experiences instrumental programmes.

The pioneering project brings together Charanga, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), the new National Music Service, the Welsh Music Services / Cymdeithas Addysg Gerdd Awdurdodau Cymru (CAGAC), regional consortia and other partners.

Charanga Cymru supports the delivery of Wales’ National Plan for Music Education. A blend of culturally rich content, world-leading music technology and personalised teaching and learning features ensure students can enjoy a truly contemporary music and expressive arts education.

In parallel, the platform supports the National Music Service and local music services in widening access to music tuition and education across Wales.

An extensive CPD & Training programme from Charanga supplements the platform’s release, ensuring everyone can make the most of this opportunity.

‘It’s an absolute pleasure to be working with WLGA, CAGAC and teachers across Wales to develop this innovative platform,’ said Mark Burke, Charanga’s Founder. ‘Providing access to high-quality educational technology will greatly support the Welsh Government’s investment in professional development for teachers, and their ambitious plan to put musical instruments into the hands of thousands of children. The team here at Charanga is delighted to be a part of the project.’

‘Charanga is already used and recognised internationally as a fantastic digital music education resource, but what we’ve created here is a fully bilingual version that is truly bespoke to Wales, with culturally-rich content and contributions from Welsh musicians,’ said Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language. ‘I’m delighted that every teacher and pupil from Amlwch to Aberavon will be able to access this engaging resource free of charge. I hope it will inspire our young people to nurture and develop their musical talent.’

‘This is the latest step in our implementation of the National Plan for Music Education, and an important way in which we are making access to music education available to all, regardless of their background or where they live.’

Councillor Ian Roberts, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said: ‘As we take the first few steps to create the new National Music Service for Wales, this is just the start of what we will have to offer children, young people and communities across Wales over the next three years as part of the National Music Plan. Charanga Cymru is a special resource that will support the teaching of music to children and young people in the classroom and give them this first opportunity of what music and instruments can give them.’

Mari Lloyd Pritchard, Co-Ordinator of the National Music Service for Wales, emphasised that the new platform is ‘special to us in Wales’ and ‘not simply a translation of a version widely used in England and Scotland. ‘There is content here that is completely Welsh, and that shows the wealth of experience and fresh talents we have here.’ she said. ‘Not everyone has the confidence and musical expertise to teach music in class, but Charanga Cymru is suitable for everyone. Our hope is that this, coupled with the invaluable support of local music services, will become an integral part of the school’s musical life.’

For more information, please visit www.gwasanaethcerdd.cymru / www.musicservice.wales.