Abstract
This talk introduces the music outreach project ‘Music and Images’, which was designed to develop new practice at DMM after receiving support from the Learning & Teaching Fund, 2024. ‘Music and Images’ was based on a partnership between students and a member of staff; jointly, they prepared a concert that was subsequently performed in two local schools. The project created new performance opportunities for Surrey students, improved the student experience, raised awareness of performance practices, ethics, and professional demands of performance practices, while providing a meaningful performance opportunity that does not exist in the curriculum. The project helped students gain better chances for employment after graduation and further developed the University of Surrey’s reputation in local schools. This talk places ‘Music and Images’ in the context of 1) cultural awareness and inclusivity, considering how practitioners, researchers, and educators create musical environments which are culturally responsive and inclusive; 2) resourcefulness and resilience, considered which approaches the project participants took to enhance problem-solving and adaptability; 3) employability and graduate skills, suggesting ways in which we can help students with employability. The talk finishes by stressing the positive results from ‘Music and Images’, and proposes new steps in outreach opportunities. c