Online Music Education Resources

Simon Brown

April 15, 2020
11:28 am

The UK Government recently published a list of online education resources for home education – a somewhat bemusing title if ever we read one!

In the opening statement, the Department for Education writes:

These websites have been identified by some of the country’s leading educational experts and offer a wide range of support and resources for pupils of all ages.

It is indeed an extensive, wide-ranging list that includes a vast array of useful websites and resources for both Primary and Secondary pupils. It covers Maths, English, Science, Physical Education, Mental Wellbeing, SEND resources, which includes apps and games, and a curious one-liner that’s titled ‘Other resources’. Within that, it simply states ‘There are other resources available’. Well, who knew?

Imagine my shock then, as I scrolled back to the top of the page—doing the equivalent of a virtual double-take—as I realised there’s not a single resource (or mention) pertaining to the Arts! I mean, seriously? I thought a picture speaks a thousand words but, clearly, so does a list!

With that in mind, MLC has set about pulling together a list of resources for Music Students. It’s certainly not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it is a list, and it hopefully contains some useful suggestions to help you with your music studies. We welcome your suggestions so please get in touch if you think we should add anything.

BBC Resources:

BBC Introducing – advice and tips on a range of topics including starting out in the music industry, recording, playing live and getting noticed.
BBC Sing – a guide to learning to sing including breathing and warming up exercises.
BBC Music – learn about the music industry and the key players with this BBC guide containing music news and reviews by genres and artists.
GCSE Bitesize – Music – music revision guide supporting GCSE music studies: from music notation and instrumentation to world music.
BBC Maestro – see if you have what it takes to become a music conductor with this online music game.
BBC Blast – learn about hip-hop music with a masterclass on MC’ing and hip-hop culture. Get top tips on rapping, rhyming, stage presence and battling.
BBC Class Clips – learn about music by watching music videos on a variety of topics including composing music for dancing, writing pop music and understanding flamenco.

Useful Industry Organisations/Media:

All Music – music reviews and artist biographies, listed by decade and genre.
NME – long-established online music magazine “The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture since 1952”.
Grammy Awards – a leading society of music professionals, the Recording Academy is dedicated to celebrating, honouring, and sustaining music’s past, present and future.
NAMM – the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organisations popular NAMM trade shows.
Musicians Union – is an organisation which represents over 32000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business.