Researching Sing Up's Workforce Development

The National Singing Programme Sing Up was officially launched in November 2007 and a team from the Institute of Education, University of London were appointed early that academic term to undertake a research evaluation of key elements of the Programme. One key component of the UK Government's National Singing Programme Sing Up (produced by Youth Music in partnership with Abbot Mead Vickers, Faber Music and The Sage Gateshead) is to ensure that children's singing development is fostered by adults who have appropriate musical knowledge, skills and understanding. Its stated role is to: 'deliver inclusive, learner-centred training for leaders singing with primary-age children in 60 target areas across England from September 2007 to March 2011, and each project runs for two years.' The workforce development - embracing 'Vocal Force' - draws on principles developed through 'Vocal Union', part of the Sage Gateshead's 'Access to Excellence Music Manifesto Pathfinder Programme'. Vocal Force is working in collaboration with existing schemes, projects, organisations and individuals across England as part of Sing Up. The Institute of Education, University of London agreed to undertake an external evaluation of a significant number of workforce development participants that was complimentary to, but separate from, the Sage Gateshead's own internal evaluation processes.