WEMA Music Conference 2026: Harmonising For the Future
WEMA held a very successful mini-conference in February, for primary and secondary music leads, education leadership teams, MAT education leads, instrumental teachers and anyone else involved with music education. We had plenty of great feedback about the day, and
Participants were able to take part in practical workshops, innovative ideas, and expert insights to support their school's music curriculum and add to their teaching toolkit.
You can find out more about our CPD and networking opportunities for teachers involved in music across North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, by visiting our Teacher Support and CPD page.
Guest speakers at the conference were:
Karen Stretch: Karen joined Twinkl in September 2025 after working as a Multi Academy Trust Music Lead, championing live arts experiences and teacher support within educational settings across the UK. With a previous career in arts journalism, she has a deep understanding of both in-school experience and the arts and cultural landscape that it creates.
Chris Andrews (British Kodály Academy): Enhance your teaching toolkit with the internationally renowned Kodály concept. Chris, a pianist, director, and former head of performing arts at St. John's-on-the-Hill, will share practical strategies for developing musicianship, vocal skills, and a deeper understanding of music through a hands-on workshop.
Ollie Tunmer (Beat Goes On & STOMP Fame): Discover creative and inclusive approaches to rhythm and body percussion. A former member of the London and European cast of STOMP, Ollie is also a qualified teacher with extensive experience delivering workshops and CPD internationally. His session will focus on fun, high-energy activities that build musicality, confidence, and teamwork.
Phil Heeley (Inclusive Music): Explore the power of music technology for inclusive and accessible music curriculum. Phil is the founder of Inclusive Music and a globally recognised music technology expert. His core philosophy is Access For All, driven by his unwavering belief that music technology is the most powerful way to enhance learning, motivation and access for students. A former Drake Music Associate and renowned specialist in inclusive practices (including SEND), Phil created the best-selling “BandLab for Schools” course, co-authored “GarageBand for Schools” and created the highly successful “Dance eJay for Schools.”