Catherine Gough – a musical journey from Youth Orchestra member to leading music in a special school
I thoroughly enjoyed my three years in the Youth Orchestra; I looked forward weekly to the only chance I had to play in such a large ensemble and particularly to the annual tours which introduced me to European travel, impromptu music-making and inspired me to want to spend more time surrounded by musicians. As a direct result of these experiences I chose to study music at university after which I embarked on a PGCE (primary) with the intent of moving into special education. In actual fact, I took a 15 year diversion, teaching music and several other subjects in mainstream state and independent schools before I finally took up an appointment in a specialist school in Leicester.
We design our curricula according to the needs of our pupils who have a wide range of physical and cognitive ability and complex medical needs. Now, on a day to day basis, I used music predominantly as one of many tools in my ‘teacher’s tool box’, working with pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities as well as having the chance to lead the music in assemblies, join impromptu bands and work alongside the other musicians employed by the school in our annual cycle of special events. I’m really grateful to the Wolverhampton Music School for giving me that early exposure to what it feels like to share musical experiences with others.
