Devon’s musical future in safe hands thanks to the next generation of rock stars
Thousands of primary school children across Devon are discovering their musical skills thanks to taking part in the UK’s biggest band-based music education programme, which prioritises group learning, an accessible music curriculum and regular performance opportunities.
More than 2,200 children in Devon are taking part in Rocksteady’s weekly in-school band lessons, where children are taught to play and perform music in their very own band - with termly whole-school concerts bringing friends and family together to see their musical progress in action and celebrate their achievements.
Currently in Devon there are 87 primary schools involved in the programme, with 196 children taking part through fully funded bursary places – ensuring more children who want to learn music can get involved for free.
Teachers say the impact is clear: children are growing in confidence, working together as bands, and feeling proud of what they can achieve both on stage and in the classroom.
These day-to-day experiences reflect Rocksteady’s wider national findings, showing how band-based music can transform children’s engagement in school life. Nationally, pupils’ excitement about going to school jumps from 64% on a normal day to 97% on a Rocksteady day, and 40% of teachers report attendance improvements for pupils who previously struggled thanks to being enrolled in Rocksteady.
The effect is even more pronounced for children with special educational needs and disabilities, whose excitement for being at school rises from 34% to 96% on their band lesson day.
Rocksteady’s large-scale research, which gathered insights from 9,681 children, teachers and parents - making it one of the largest studies into primary music education ever recorded - also found that 88% of teachers report being in Rocksteady supports children’s wider academic progress, while 95% say it boosts parental engagement with their school - benefits already echoed by teachers in Devon.
Pilton Bluecoat Academy Head of School, Mathew Harts said: “It creates a positive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and capable of success. Playing together as a band has taught them the importance of teamwork, whilst also allowing each individual to shine in their own unique role.
“Rocksteady brings music to life for our children. The program has enriched our curriculum, fostered a love for music, and helped us build brighter futures, one performance at a time.”
For local Band Leader, Stuart Snelling, who teaches in schools across the region, seeing children realise what they’re capable of is the best part of the job:
“Concerts are the best part of the job - seeing the pupils on stage with massive smiles, while performing with confidence, is so rewarding. I love going to work each day knowing that I get to inspire future generations of performers in Devon.”
As more pupils pick up instruments and perform together, local schools are helping to spark a new generation of young musicians - meaning Devon’s rich musical history and heritage is in safe hands!
