Making the Most Out of The Music Mark Conference
10th September 2026
As we get ready for the Music Mark Conference 2026, we spoke with Music Mark Board Member Charlotte Payne, Head of Music for Inspiring Music in Central Bedfordshire, about how she plans to make the most of the two days. From the sessions topping her must-see list to practical advice for anyone attending for the first time, Charlotte shares how she balances a packed programme with the conversations and connections that make the conference so valuable – and what she’s most looking forward to this year.
With so many great sessions and opportunities at the conference, how will you navigate the two days to get the most out of it for you and your organisation?
As both Head of Music for Inspiring Music in Central Bedfordshire and Hub Lead Organisation for the BLMK Music Hub, I approach the conference through two different lenses.
As a music service leader, I usually start by looking for sessions that connect with our current priorities and areas where we are seeking to develop. I look for innovative ideas, practical approaches and examples of good practice that can support us in continuing to provide high quality, relevant musical opportunities for children and young people.
This includes thinking about how we engage new participants, develop progression routes, support schools, strengthen our workforce and ensure that our offer continues to evolve to meet the needs of our communities.
As Hub Lead Organisation, I start by looking for the strategic sessions that give me a wider overview of the national landscape and the direction of travel for music education. I want to understand emerging priorities, consider the challenges and opportunities ahead and reflect on how these might influence our strategic approach across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
My conference plan is still very much a work in progress. I usually wait until the full programme has been released, including the final sessions, before making my choices, as there are often additional sessions that bring valuable perspectives or link closely with emerging priorities. I will also go back to my wider team and colleagues across the Hub to understand what areas they would like me to explore on their behalf, so that I can attend sessions that will support the development of their work and bring back relevant learning.
Collaboration is a key part of how I navigate the conference. I will speak with our Inclusion Lead to discuss which sessions each of us might attend, particularly those that support the continued development of our Inclusion Strategy and wider organisational priorities. I also coordinate with the other service leads attending from across the BLMK consortium so that, where possible, we can cover a broad range of topics, avoid unnecessary duplication and share learning afterwards.
Alongside the formal programme, I always value the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the sector. Some of the most valuable learning comes from the conversations between sessions, hearing about the experiences of others and discovering ideas that you might never have found simply by reading the programme.
From the title and programme, what is the stand out session for you?
There are a number of sessions that stand out because they align closely with the strategic questions we are currently exploring as both a music service and a Music Hub.
As Hub Lead Organisation for the BLMK Music Hub, I am particularly interested in the ‘National Centre for Arts and Music Education Hot Topic’. The development of the National Centre has the potential to shape the future landscape of music education, Music Hubs and music services for years to come, so understanding the direction of travel, the opportunities it presents and how it may influence our work is incredibly important.
I am also looking forward to ‘Music Opportunities Pilot: What does musical excellence look like for each young person?’ We are continually reflecting on how we create meaningful musical journeys for every child and young person, balancing aspiration and excellence with equitable access and progression. I am keen to hear how colleagues from across the sector are approaching these challenges.
Another session that particularly resonates is ‘Written in September, Still Breathing by January?’ with Sam Stimpson. Over the past few years we have invested significantly in strengthening inclusion across Inspiring Music by developing our Inclusion Strategy, appointing a dedicated Inclusion Lead and embedding inclusion as a thread that runs throughout the organisation rather than as a standalone initiative. Sam’s session feels particularly relevant because it focuses on how leaders create cultures where inclusion is lived every day, influences decision making and becomes everyone’s responsibility. As leaders, we have a responsibility to model that commitment and create an environment where colleagues feel empowered to challenge, innovate and lead inclusive practice in their own areas.
The ‘Inclusive Music Making: Implementing the OHMI Music Makers Whole Class approach for music services’ session is another that I am keen for us to capture learning from. Our Inclusion Lead has previously worked with both OHMI and Sam Stimpson, and we have been developing our own whole class inclusive approach across Inspiring Music. It will be a valuable opportunity to hear how other music services are embedding inclusive practice, reflect on different approaches and consider how we continue to evolve our own provision so that every child and young person can participate and thrive.
Alongside the strategic sessions, I am also looking forward to ‘Early Years: Playing in the Music Garden’. Early Years engagement has been an area of development for Inspiring Music over recent years and we have been on a real journey to strengthen our understanding of how we create meaningful musical experiences for our youngest children and their families. Having previously worked with Magic Acorns, I am looking forward to seeing how their thinking has evolved and what we can bring back into our own practice.
Another session that interests me is ‘Music Learning as a Catalyst for Language and Literacy: An advocacy framework in action’. As music services and Music Hubs continue to demonstrate the wider impact of music education, it is increasingly important that we can clearly articulate the value of music to schools, partners and decision makers.
Of course, one of the things I always enjoy most about the Music Mark Annual Conference is the opportunity to experience performances from local musicians. Amidst the strategic discussions, it is a timely reminder of the creativity and artistry at the heart of our work and why we are all so passionate about ensuring children and young people have access to high quality musical experiences.
Do you have any tips for colleagues who are new to the Music Mark Annual Conference?
Spend a little time exploring the programme before you arrive and think about what you want to get from the two days. There is always so much choice that it can be tempting to try to attend everything, but I have found it is far more valuable to be intentional about the sessions you choose.
Don’t just choose the sessions that obviously relate to your role. Some of the best ideas come from hearing different perspectives or learning about approaches from another part of the sector that you can adapt to your own context.
Most importantly, make time for conversations. Whether over coffee, between sessions or at the evening events, some of the most valuable learning comes from talking to colleagues, sharing experiences and building relationships. The Music Mark Conference is one of the few opportunities each year where so many people from across the music education sector come together, so make the most of it.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
For me, the Music Mark Annual Conference is always an opportunity to step away from the day to day demands of leadership and think more strategically about the future of music education.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues from across the country, hearing different perspectives, sharing ideas and bringing back both strategic insight and practical approaches that will support the continued development of Inspiring Music and the wider BLMK Music Hub.
Most of all, I am looking forward to leaving inspired. Every year I come away with fresh ideas, new connections and renewed enthusiasm for the incredible work happening across our sector, and I hope this year’s conference will be no exception.
Join us at the Music Mark Conference 2026
The Music Mark Conference 2026 will take place on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th November at The Spine, Liverpool, exploring the theme of Inclusivity and Relevance Booking is now open, with Early Bird prices available until 6th September. Whether your planning your sessions like Charlotte or coming along for the first time, there’s still time to secure your place!
