This interview with Mark Aitchison explores his experience as a UK music educator, lecturer, and practising musician. He reflects on blending classical training with contemporary teaching, and on the flexibility of UK music education. Central to his approach is ensuring students leave his classroom able to engage in music-making in ways they could not before.
Can you introduce yourself and describe one defining characteristic of music education in your country today?
I have been teaching Music in the UK to children aged 4–18 for 25 years. I now work at the University of Reading, where I lecture in Music Education and am a doctoral student. I am a practising musician, at home in an orchestral setting (viola), singing or directing orchestras and choirs. I’ve also been known to be on stage in theatre. A defining characteristic of music education in the UK is that the teacher can define what music looks like in their classroom, matching curriculum to student context.
Which artist, composer, or musical tradition has most shaped your musical thinking, and why?
I am an orchestral/choral musician trained through the Western Classical Tradition, but truth be told, much of my teaching has involved contemporary music. I think you could argue that my approach to teaching music in the classroom is not too far removed from the cheeky approach Mozart had to composing—he raised eyebrows…
"A defining characteristic of music education in the UK is that the teacher can define what music looks like in their classroom, matching curriculum to student context."
If you could bring five musical works to a desert island, what would they be, and what does this choice reveal about you as a music educator?
My playlist includes a selection of John Williams’ (film composer) hits, Mozart’s Requiem, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, Elgar’s Symphony No. 1, and a mixtape of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna. This reveals my eclectic approach to music.
What aspect of teaching music continues to motivate you most, even after challenging days?
| That a student left my classroom being able to access music making in a way that they couldn’t before. |