University of York Students' Union (YUSU)
University of York Music Education Group
The University of York Music Education Group has been running for over 10 years, led by students who are passionate about accessible music education for everyone.
Story
The University of York Music Education Group has been running for over 10 years, led by students who are passionate about accessible music education for everyone. We run musical workshops in primary and secondary schools, hospitals, nurseries, mental health establishments and care homes across York, ranging from African drumming to Ukuleles, kazoos, singing, instrument demonstrations and many more! All of our workshops are free of charge, making music accessible to all! Donations will go towards instrument maintenance, transport costs, training and equipment to make our workshops the best they can be! We really appreciate your support in helping to bring music to the people of York!
We feel that our story is best summed up by the testimonials from some of the establishments we work with.
'York primary schools are so lucky to be able to experience the varied musical workshops which the MEG students offer.
The students bring an energy into our schools which the children really love.
Meg can offer a musical experience which many schools cannot provide for their children.
Even as an experienced music teacher I always learn something new from the students workshops. I hope the students who work in my schools feel they are supported by our teachers. For me, I feel it should be a shared experience. I can bring teaching skills and classroom management which allows the students to lead their practical and interactive workshops uninterrupted.
The introduction to instruments sessions have always been well received from FS to Yr6 in my schools. I booked workshops for all our childrens music lessons. I was impressed by how the students presented their performances to our children. Their material is suitable to the age range.
I cant tell you how grateful I am to the MEG students who give their time freely to promote excellence in music education, its a level of musicianship to which our children can aspire. - Ruth McCartney, Primary Music Co-ordinator
MEG have been coming to Lamel Beeches Care Home for over 2 years now and our residents thoroughly enjoy their visits. We have had visits from the gospel choir, the string quartet , the African drums and we have regular singing weeks. It is so nice to see the residents faces light up when they are singing or listening to the music. For our residents it brings back lots of memories and lots of emotions. Music is well known to help with mental health and just seeing the residents tap their feet and sing a lot is just lovely. Some of our residents are also known to have a little dance in their wheelchair too. It is also about seeing new people and friendly faces, the MEG group also spend time chatting with the residents and getting to know them. They will research their favourite songs and chat about their lives too. We love the visits and look forward to having them back. - Vicky Rennison, Activities Co-ordinator, Lamel Beeches
I used MEG last term at the care home I work at, Red Lodge. They provided me with a massive range of music entertainment. We had a far reaching variety of different music from all over the world and experienced different cultures. Always delivered with friendly and happy students. The residents love the sessions. Thank you for all their efforts. - Baz Larner, Activity Co-ordinator, Red Lodge
