Feedback from Merton schools participating in the programme.

Now in its third year, funded by Merton Council and delivered in partnership with Sing Up, Mini Musicians is an inclusive scheme of learning and delivery approach in EYFS and KS1.

During the pilot project (Jan 2024 – July 2025), over six hundred and fifty pupils benefitted from weekly specialist music lessons in groups at school and over three hundred children participated in a comprehensive research study led by the University of Roehampton. All participating children in Year 2 learnt to play the melodica, a type of keyboard instrument and were entered for a nationally recognised inclusive music award accredited by Trinity College London. This is the first time a cohort of this size has been entered for these exams.

‘Music has a unique power to engage with every part of a child’s development, physically, academically and emotionally. We are delighted to be working on this exciting programme for the young people of Merton’ commented David Rees, Merton Music Foundation’s Chief Executive.

Michael Bradley, headteacher at Merton Abbey Primary – a Mini Musicians Pilot School, added: ‘we are still suffering the impact of the pandemic where children’s early socialisation was interrupted; music has a central role in supporting children’s language development.’

In the 2025-26 academic year, the project is being delivered in ten Merton primary schools alongside a staff training and development programme in six of these schools. All Merton schools have access to the full scheme of learning and support/training to deliver it from MMF.

Contact us about Mini Musicians: minimusicians@mmf.org.uk