Online workshop 2: Vision, Values and Reflective Practice in Music Education
Presenter(s): Lilian Simones and Frances Burgess
Date: 30th July 2026
Time: 11:30 am, GMT/BST (UK & Ireland)
What shapes the way we teach, and how often do we pause to reflect on the values, beliefs, and intentions underpinning our practice? This workshop explores the importance of purposeful teaching in music education, encouraging vocal and instrumental music teachers to consider how their professional values, teaching philosophy, and reflective practice shape the learning experiences they create for students.
Drawing on their own professional practice and research, the presenters will examine different approaches to critical reflection as tools for professional growth and pedagogical development. Dr Burgess will introduce Stephen Brookfield’s four-lens model of critical reflection (Brookfield, 1995) and present practical tools she has developed to support evidence-informed reflective practice. Dr Simones will present the Echoes for Excellence framework (Simones, 2025), highlighting how reflective and values-led teaching can contribute to more meaningful, inclusive, and effective music education practices.
Participants will be invited to critically examine their own teaching approaches, professional identities, and long-term aspirations as educators while engaging in reflective dialogue with fellow teachers.
Guided reflection and collaborative discussion will support participants in aligning their everyday practice with a clearer sense of purpose, fostering greater confidence, authenticity, and impact in their teaching.