The Music Works Conference - Community Music Now and Next
Community Music Now and Next Flyer
We are looking forward to speaking at The Music Works Conference - Saturday 18th October 2026!
Our partners The Music Works are having an exciting event at their venue in Gloucestershire.
During the day (10:30am - 4:30pm) is an academic conference for Sound Sense with some fantastic panellists talking about accessibility in community music, and in the evening from 5:30pm is a free after-party where they will be launching their DMLabs programme with performances from Elizabeth J Birch, Laurie Black and EDM Alive.
Get your tickets here!
Community Music Now & Next - focusing on inclusion, embracing differences and exploring what it means to be a community musician in the 21st century.
The programme will include talks, workshops, activities and demos; as well as ample time to meet and network with fellow community musicians from across the country. There will be the opportunity for attendees to share their practice, a musical activity or discuss topics of interest during our afternoon sessions. Plus The Music Works is holding an after-party launching Drake Music's DMLabs at the Gloucester Hub.
All tickets include lunch and refreshments during morning and afternoon breaks. Please let us know any dietary requirements or allergies during the booking process.
DAY PROGRAMME
Doors open at 10am for registration, refreshments and networking, and the day-time programme (10.30am to 4.30pm) will cover themes such us:
What does community music look like in the 21st century?
Accessible music technology for community musicians
Authentic accessibility in community music
Community music for absolute beginners
Impact assessment (without impacting the session)
Reaching marginalised communities
Confirmed speakers and facilitators include:
Rebecca Denniff -Sound Sense Chair | Tim Yates - Drake Music | Malaki Patterson - The Music Works CEO | Neil Harrod-Beck - Natspec | Matt Brombley - Southampton / IOW Music | Kate Rounding - TiME | Ellie Knott - Sound Sense | Ceilidh-Jo Rowe - The Music Works | Jonathan Westrup - Open Up Music
Exploring many different and diverse approaches to music making, this event is for everyone - from those curious about community music, newcomers looking to develop their skills as music practitioners, all the way up to seasoned pros who've been working in this field for decades.
AFTER-PARTY
Our after-party (5.30pm to 10pm) will showcase a diverse range of musicians working with modern technology, launching DMLabs Gloucester.
Elizabeth J Birch | Youth Music Inspirational Music Leader | Drake Music Emergent Artist & Mastercard Trailblazer https://www.instagram.com/elizabethjbirch/
Laurie Black | Deadly Synths | Edinburgh Fringe Performer | Combining Live gig & TED-talk style education https://laurieblack.co.uk/
EDM Alive | Festival band playing live versions of iconic 2000's dance music https://www.facebook.com/edmaliveband
ACCESS
Community Music Now & Next will take place at The Music Works Hub in Kings Square, Gloucester. The building is on the second floor and is fully accessible throughout.
https://themusicworks.org.uk/studios/spaces-facilities/the-hub-gloucester/