Universal Music Group has unveiled its new education initiative, Sound Generation. The global effort is designed to advance access to music education for young people around the world.
The pilot programme – launched in the UK – will provide resources that support teachers and learners worldwide and empower students through creativity, collaboration, and curriculum innovation.
The project is built in collaboration with Camden Music Service, part of Camden Learning, a school-led partnership between all the borough schools and the local authority. The programme aims to address declining participation and reduced access to music education – particularly among pupils from low-income backgrounds.
Comprised of 10 specially curated activities for Key Stage One students, the signature programme was inspired by Feversham Primary Academy in Bradford. In 2023, the school was ranked in the Top 10 of schools globally for its innovative curriculum in the World’s Best School Prizes. The school’s leaders state that their commitment to, and increased hours of music education across the week, contributed to significantly improved SATS results at the end of Key Stage Two.
“Music ignites the spark of true learning, tapping into something deeper than the everyday,” said Jimmy Rotheram, music lead & Naveed Idrees OBE, headteacher, Feversham Primary Academy in a statement. “The power of music improves maths, English, behaviour and attitudes to learning. At Feversham, we have harnessed this force of human nature to bring happiness and academic success for everyone. This means daily musical development, a strong curriculum, highly trained staff and parity with numeracy and literacy. The arts are the bedrock of academic success across all subjects, and provide the beating heart of our school.”
We believe all young people should have access to high quality music education – but too often we hear this is not the case
Sharlotte Ritchie
Developed to deliver the diverse range of skills needed across music creation, the set of digital resources was designed to be easily integrated into primary school lessons. The resources have been created by music teachers, for all teachers, ensuring they are practical, engaging and grounded in classroom experience.
“We’re delighted to be working with Universal Music Group UK on a project that puts children’s creativity at the heart of learning,” said Gareth Gay, head of Camden Music Service, Camden Learning. “Camden has a long history of innovative, forward-thinking music education, and Sound Generation builds on that spirit by giving teachers fresh ideas, shared expertise, and the confidence to deliver exciting music lessons. Most importantly, it will help more children experience the joy and benefits of a high-quality music education, wherever they are on their musical journey.”
This announcement follows UMG UK’s partnerships with The Reading Agency and Roundhouse, and marks the next iteration of its work to further music education in the UK.
“We believe all young people should have access to high quality music education – but too often we hear this is not the case,” said Sharlotte Ritchie, senior director, global impact & communications, UMG. “Sound Generation is designed to address this challenge globally. The benefits of high-quality music education span learning, development, and wellbeing and we want as many young people across the UK – and the world – to have access to this as possible. By partnering with the experts at Camden Music Service, and taking inspiration from Feversham Primary Academy, this pilot programme marks our first step in making this a reality.”
“It’s fantastic that Camden is helping to launch the Sound Generation pilot,” said Councillor Marcus Boyland, cabinet member for Best Start for Children and Families. “Our borough has a long and proud history with music, and we know how powerfully it can shape children’s lives. This programme gives our teachers new, joyful ways to bring music into the classroom – opening up opportunities for every child to discover their talents, build confidence and develop a love of learning that stays with them. I’m proud that Camden is playing a role in shaping a programme that will soon reach schools across the UK, and I’m excited to see how our pupils grow and thrive.”
More details on programme expansion and how to access the resources will be announced in the coming months.
