‘Sing Out Your Story’: Merton Children Hit the High Notes at Mini Musicians Festival
Over 500 children from across Merton celebrated the conclusion of the Mini Musicians pilot programme at the vibrant two-day ‘Sing Out Your Story’ Key Stage 1 Festival. The event showcased the talents of young participants aged 5 to 7 and marked a joyful milestone for this innovative music initiative.
Council Leader Cllr Ross Garrod and Cabinet Member Cllr Sally Kenny joined Merton Schools and Education teams to enjoy performances filled with singing, tapping, melodica playing, and collaborative musicianship.
David Rees, MMF’s CEO, said: “What we have heard over the last two days is testament to how much musical progress children can make if they are just given the opportunity. The performances our young people gave were incredible, full of musicianship, glorious singing and endless joy.”
Mini Musicians, a collaboration between Merton Council, MMF, The University of Roehampton, and Sing Up, supported by Sounds of Intent and Trinity College London, delivers accessible, innovative music education. Professor Adam Ockelford shared early research findings:
“Early data shows… children have made a statistically significant amount of progress… around 50%… were able to start within one semitone of the right note, showing an early form of Absolute Pitch…”
The festival also celebrated the introduction of melodicas, taught to over 300 Year 2 children across 10 schools. Teachers and Councillors praised the children’s performances:
Michael Bradley, Headteacher at Merton Abbey Primary School, said:
“I am proud that our children performed so confidently – with real verve and enthusiasm.”
Helen Teasdale, Music Teacher at Perseid Special School, added:
“The festival was a wonderful way to celebrate… Children sang solo, played solos on their melodicas or keyboards… We are so proud of them!”
Jane Buckett, Music Coordinator at Hillcross Primary School, said:
“Wow, wow, wow!!!… children were amazing… thanks to this wonderful project and amazing teaching.”
Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see the progress… Mini Musicians builds the foundations of a lifelong hobby… setting them up for a lifetime of success.”
Councillor Sally Kenny, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, added:
“Mini Musicians provides children with a brilliant way to develop their creativity and express themselves.”
The programme continues to nurture Merton’s next generation of musicians, proving early musical education unlocks remarkable talents and lifelong benefits.
