Music Education Expo (2016)

For the first time, this year Dawkes Music took a stand at the Music Education Expo at London Olympia at the end of February. We were aiming to raise awareness of our products and services within the music teaching community. With an estimated attendance of 2500-3000 teachers, we were feeling confident that we could have lots of conversations about activities such as our ‘Hands on’ instrument sessions for schools, our Teacher Loyalty Scheme, the new Education Workshop series, our expertise in instrumental repair/ maintenance and the availability of repair days, as well as our range of beginner and intermediate instruments – all with a view to create, inspire and support new young musicians.

Having never attended the event before it was difficult to know what to expect, but we were delighted to find ourselves part of a vibrant, inspiring and informative event where we had the pleasure of talking with teachers from some many different settings, with very differing needs and challenges from all over the world. The range of exhibitors was well balanced and offered teachers everything from Grand Pianos to Orchestral Tour organisers to primary percussion instruments.
With presentations, workshops and seminars throughout the day, there was something for everyone; and even difficult subjects such as the future of GCSE and A Level Music in the face of EBACC were tackled head on with tact and inclusion. There were live music slots and ‘fireside chats’ with relevant professionals; it was at times difficult to know where to head next!
As an event attendee is it worth going for both days? Probably not, the event is growing year on year and its move from the Barbican to Olympia is indicative of its growing stance as key event in the Music Education calendar; but we recommend using the pre-publicised programme and picking your preferred workshops/ seminars and go for that day, the exhibitors do not change over the 2 days.
In summary, a day well worth spending out of the class or practice room; and will Dawkes Music be back next year…..oh yes!

Karen Wallace – Education Specialist (Contact)