Portsmouth’s musical future in safe hands thanks to the next generation of rock stars
Hundreds of primary school children across Portsmouth 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 700 children in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth there are 18 primary schools involved in the programme, with 33 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 Portsmouth.
Caz Batten, Music Coordinator at Craneswater Junior School in Portsmouth, said: "It's been great to see a number of children really grow in confidence throughout their time with Rocksteady. Many of our children with additional needs excel at Rocksteady, and it gives them pride in themselves. This has transferred into our class music lessons and they've been able to support their peers with keeping time.
“It's also been great to see children, particularly those who sometimes find school a difficult place to be, work hard as a team to achieve something. Overall, the kids love it and we love seeing the skills they've developed."
For local Band Leader, Michael Mullarkey, who teaches in schools across Portsmouth, seeing children realise what they’re capable of is the best part of the job:
“Seeing the children grow as musicians, build new friendships, and grow in confidence through taking on challenges together is what teaching music is all about.
“Don't be surprised if some of the next big bands come from Hampshire because there is a myriad of talents in the area, and to be a part of their musical journey is a joy.”
As more pupils pick up instruments and perform together, local schools are helping spark a new generation of young musicians - meaning Portsmouth’s rich musical history and heritage is in safe hands!