The North West Pathfinder is a new strategic alliance of four organisations involved in music education activities across the cities of Manchester and Salford – these are the Hallé, Manchester Music Service, Salford Music and Performing Arts Service and the Greater Manchester Music Action Zone.
The North West Pathfinder partnership is a two-year opportunity to thoroughly test out the process, desirability and effectiveness of working in collaboration within the Manchester-Salford context. Through exploring a possible new model of provision linking local authority services, professional practitioners and the non-formal sector, the Partnership will test how innovative delivery structures of those involved in music education can provide significantly enhanced outcomes for children than individual organisations operating independently from each other.
This Pathfinder is extending the range of opportunities for all 97,800 people of school age in Manchester and Salford by piloting new working practices and forging new alliances across a range of musical genres. There is a particular emphasis on singing and coordination between schools, music providers and the two city councils. It is building significantly on existing work in training and leadership for specialist and non-specialist teachers, and developing an ambitious programme to embrace a range of singing styles.
Our vision beyond 2008 is a successful formal partnership which offers improved access, opportunity and efficiency to children across Manchester and Salford, and potentially a much wider region.