Since 2021, Sound and Music has been working with BRIT Kids Music Production teacher David Henckel to introduce Minute of Listening – a completely free resource which supports reflective listening, creative thinking, and new ways of composing music – to their classes. Sound and Music then handed the reigns over to the BRIT Kids to create and compose their own minutes for other young people to listen to and enjoy, as part of the wider online collection and additional resources.

David Henckel, said of the experience: “It’s been incredibly rewarding taking a new approach to music making within our classes. Having the overarching theme of ‘friendship’, what that means collectively and individually,has allowed the young creators to think in news ways about sound. I’ve seen a real benefit in using Minute of Listening – on the music they have made, their skills, and confidence levels. I’m delighted with the variety of what they have created and I’m looking forward to continuing this collaboration with new students joining the course throughout the year.”

The BRIT Kids Friendship Collection will take us on a unique and inspiring sonic journey from layered guitar, orchestral imaginings and wild improvisations, to sparse hip hop, dusty beats and krautrock.

This collaboration marks the start of an exciting new partnership with the BRIT Kids, the BRIT Schools creative weekend centre, which provides safe places for children to explore their creativity across a range of artforms, enabling creative freedom and teachers to work within their artistic interests.

Tobi Deeson, Director at the BRIT Kids said: “I am thrilled BRIT Kids is joining Sound and Music on this new journey. The opportunity that has been created so that the young people can have their work listened to and celebrated by other young people is so positive. Sound and Music came to BRIT Kids and instantly understood how we worked and why. BRIT Kids does not work to a set curriculum and Sound and Music could see the benefits to both the teachers and students. It allows for truly free creativity and breaks down barriers. I am thrilled BRIT Kids and Sound and Music are joining in a partnership, and excited to see where it takes us.”

Minute of Listening continues its ambitions to democratise new music, increasing access and celebrating the voices and creative skills of composers of all ages. Now with over 200 minutes, the BRIT Kids Collection will sit alongside Sound and Music’s Summer School Students and works from composers, including Beethoven and Bjork, and be available for free use.

Beatrice Hubble, Head of Education at Sound and Music, said: “We are delighted to have the BRIT Kids creating music for Minute of Listening and to be entering into this partnership, as we are committed to supporting and providing a platform for young people’s musical creativity.  Minute of Listening is used by thousands of primary schools across the country as a tool for listening and supporting the curriculum with sound.  It is thrilling to think the music made by the BRIT Kids will be part of the resource that will inspire the musical creativity in the youngest children across the U.K.”