North Worcester Primary Academy has participated in a groundbreaking 10-week digital music pilot scheme. The initiative marks the first school trial of CMPSR, a cutting-edge music creation tool designed to make music-making more enjoyable and accessible for all pupils.

Led by teacher Lauren Gold and her Year 5 classes, the program introduced pupils to modern music-making using Digit Music’s award-winning music game controller, CMPSR (kom-poh-zah), and its notation app, Arrownotes.

By combining gaming and music, the 10-week scheme covers key areas of the music curriculum, including rhythm, composition, and performance. It allows pupils to explore various musical genres, play different instruments, and develop a deeper understanding of notation using Arrownotes, which simplifies music theory with colours, shapes, and directions. Although the program uses shapes and arrows, the outcome can be converted into traditional sheet music for an orchestra to follow.

The program, introduced to the academy by Severn Arts has been an instant hit with pupils due to its ease of use and gaming-style functionality.

Creators from Digit Music visited the school at the end of the Autumn term to observe Lauren teaching the scheme of work provided as part of the teacher resources. They watched as pupils composed and performed original pieces.

Owain Wilson, founder of Digit Music, explained how drawing on experience in the music and education sectors, the team have developed tools to break down barriers traditional instruments and digital tools often create - making music-making simpler and more inclusive for everyone.

Owain explained that their challenge for the pilot scheme was to create resources to help non-music teachers feel confident teaching music. Lauren confirmed that “even as a non-specialist, the planning makes me confident in delivering it."

Catherine Atkinson, Head of Professional Learning at The Rivers CofE Academy Trust said, “We are proud of our music partnerships that are enabling so many musical opportunities for children in our schools. This is fantastic for both children and staff.”