Everyone Can Compose!

Many teachers feel unsure how to support children in composing their own music. Yet composing is the moment when children move beyond imitation and begin to use their musical skills independently — shaping rhythm, melody and texture through their own ideas.

Recent reports from Ofsted have repeatedly identified composing as one of the weakest areas of music teaching in schools, with many teachers lacking confidence in how to guide children through the creative process. This practical workshop will explore clear and accessible ways to address that challenge.

When children compose, they become autonomous musicians. Rather than copying the teacher, they experiment, make decisions and shape their own musical ideas. This gives children a powerful sense of ownership, purpose and satisfaction in their learning.

Music educator Nancy Evans once observed that we delight in children’s early drawings, yet often overlook their early musical offerings. Through the Orff approach we learn to recognise, nurture and develop these early musical ideas so that every child can participate meaningfully in creating music.

The Orff approach places improvisation and composition at the centre of musical learning.

By shaping children’s musical ideas into simple structures, their creativity is given coherence and meaning, allowing them to experience the satisfaction of creating something that truly belongs to them.

In this workshop, Nadja Kraft will lead participants through a range of practical activities using voice, movement, speech, classroom instruments and percussion. Teachers will experience how children can move from exploration and improvisation towards creating their own compositions in the classroom.

Participants will leave with practical strategies and activities that can be used immediately to support children’s creativity and confidence in music lessons.

The workshop takes place at Christ Church Hall in Leigh-on-Sea. Leigh on Sea train station is just 45 minutes from London Fenchurch Street. After the workshop, participants are warmly invited to join an informal social gathering in historic Old Leigh by the sea.

This workshop is suitable for primary classroom teachers, music specialists and anyone working musically with children aged 5–11.