Take it to the people

One music college's new outreach scheme aims to foster community spirit, writes Donald Collins

This winter, the United Kingdom's second oldest conservatoire is embarking on an extensive consultation to develop links with the Isle of Dogs community in its neighbourhood of east London. It is a sign of the new focus in British higher education and will be heartening news for Margaret Hodge, the minister for higher education – at last week's Universities UK conference, she emphasized strong community relations as a key challenge for higher education institutions.

The consultation by the Trinity College of Music will pinpoint which local groups of people to work with, and what music facilities exist in the area. This is not the first time that Trinity has worked with the local community. Since relocating to the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, in the summer of 2001, it has engaged in a number of outreach programmes.

As a result, children from two primary schools in the area performed in a musical, and youngsters have been taking part in workshops. Over the next three years, children who participate regularly in Trinity's programmes will be monitored to decide whether musical participation leads to an increase in academic achievement.

Rev Martin Seeley, who has worked closely with the college in bringing music to the area, believes the influence of music will greatly enhance the confidence of the youngsters involved. "Because the resources in schools are so focused on getting academic results, there is very little left in other avenues for kids to express themselves. Music is a great vehicle for them to improve their confidence. The Isle of Dogs is made up of many communities, and there is quite a deep gulf between them. Music can bridge those divisions."

Gavin Henderson, Trinity's principal, believes the community work is beneficial to his students, and to the college's standing. "The music industry today is driven by a streetwise culture. This is as much a learning process for us as it is for the community groups with whom we make music. We're not just giving the young people on the Isle of Dogs a taste of music, but encouraging them to see us as a part of their community."

For further information on the programme, contact Andrea Spain at aspain@tcm.ac.uk

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