CPD and Training

Primary Schools

At Nottingham Music Service, we are committed to supporting the professional development of music educators across the city. We offer a variety of CPD opportunities throughout the year, designed to develop skills, build confidence, and inspire music teaching in primary settings.

Music Network Meetings

Delivered in partnership with the Nottingham Schools Trust (NST), our Music Network Meetings take place once per term and are free to attend for all city schools. Sessions bring together teachers, music leads and subject coordinators to share practice, explore current issues, and strengthen music provision in schools. Each meeting includes a range of professional development opportunities—not all of which are included every time. Across the year, these may include:

  • Updates on local and national music education news and funding
  • CPD linked to the Model Music Curriculum and curriculum delivery
  • Guest speakers sharing inspiring practice and research
  • Practical workshops and classroom-ready ideas
  • Space to network and connect with other educators

The sessions are welcoming, practical, and useful, whether you are an experienced music lead or new to the role.  Our first session for the academic year 2026-27 will be:

  • Wednesday 14th October, 2 – 4pm, at Nottingham Music Service (Labes House, 4 Waterway St West, Nottingham NG2 1NL)

Secondary Schools

Music technology CPD

The landscape of music is being transformed by technology, demanding educators to evolve and keep up. We work in partnership with Education & Bass, who provide CPD programs that are customisable, catering to educators at all stages. This ensures educators are equipped to nurture the upcoming wave of music innovators. Contact us for more information.

 

SEND Settings

Nottingham Music Service, in partnership with the East Midlands UpRising programme (led by MEHEM), is committed to supporting inclusive and high-quality music education for all children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Check out the MEHEM Uprising page for a wide range of tools and resources to better engage young people with additional learning needs in music-making.

Uprising’s termly Special School Network is a chance to hear from experts about a particular area of practice share ideas from teachers in the region. We are ahead of the game this year and have dates and booking forms ready for all three terms. The dates are:

  • Autumn: Tuesday 13th October 2026, 3.30 – 4.45pm, online
  • Spring: Tuesday 26th January 2027, 3.30 – 4.45pm, online
  • Summer: Tuesday 27th April 2027, 3.30 – 4.45pm, online

Book places for the networks here

 

Certificate for Music Educators (CME)

The Certificate for Music Educators (CME) is a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification developed by ABRSM for anyone working with children and young people in music education. It is designed to deepen your teaching practice while you continue working, offering the chance to reflect, build skills and gain a formal accreditation. 

The CME is ideal for:

  • Primary teachers leading music in schools
  • Instrumental/vocal tutors working in or with schools
  • Community musicians or freelancers delivering workshops
  • Early years music practitioners
  • Secondary music teachers wanting to reflect and develop new skills 

NMS offers the CME through MEHEM (Music Education Hubs East Midlands), providing a flexible year-long programme that includes four core training days, one-to-one mentoring, and a portfolio built around your real-world teaching.