Music Mark reported that three UK music education organizations are embedding environmental sustainability into their work through specific projects. The findings come from a research project commissioned by Music Mark and conducted by UCL’s Department of Culture, Communication and Media.
In Oxfordshire, the County Music Service engaged approximately 80 Key Stage 2 students across three young singers choirs in a term-long project focused on biodiversity. Staff selected songs relating to museum exhibits, including the dodo and British butterflies, while a staff member wrote the final piece. Students visited the Oxford University Museum of Natural History before performing for parents.
The Isle of Wight Music Hub coordinated the Biosphere Big Sing, involving over 900 pupils from nine schools. Students performed original compositions celebrating the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status while learning about conservation actions like reducing plastic use and planting trees.
Portsmouth Music Service adopted an approach incorporating youth perspectives under its One World campaign. Composers created environmentally themed pieces based on topics requested directly by children and schools. These case studies illustrate how music educators can utilize ensemble performance and creative composition to address sustainability issues.
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