Count Me In

AMP are partnering with Live Music Now to deliver Count Me In over two terms this academic year.

Count Me In! is an inclusive approach to group music making based on the Sounds of Intent framework of musical development. Each child plays their own bespoke part, created to suit their abilities and interests, which they rehearse throughout the course of the project. Some groups choose to end the project with a final celebration performance.

The Count Me In! approach
Count Me In! was created by a team of field leading academics and practitioners. It is founded on the philosophy that disability and difference should be no barrier to group music-making. It recognises that people with severe learning difficulties, who may well find language and everyday understanding a challenge, can possess advanced musical skills. Live Music Now first piloted the approach in 2022.

The Count Me In! approach is based on the Sounds of Intent framework of musical progression. Children participate in group music-making by taking on a role suited to their interests and abilities.

Sound Makers (Sounds of Intent Level 2) are sensory learners who are developing their capacity to engage with and produce sound.
Pattern Makers (Sounds of Intent Level 3) are able to perceive and recreate simple patterns in sound, such as a steady beat.
Motif Makers (Sounds of Intent Level 4) can recognise and create “building blocks” of music: rhythmic patterns or melodic motifs.
Music Makers (Sounds of Intent Level 5) sing or play short songs and simple pieces of music, developing the ability to play or sing in time and in tune.

Live Music Now musicians are using the Count Me In! approach to enable children with complex needs to take a meaningful role in ensemble music making, either using songs from the Count Me In! book or adapting their own repertoire to provide parts for Sound Makers, Pattern Makers, Motif Makers and Music Makers.