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Introducing Sound Practice

We are delighted to announce the launch of Soundabout’s inaugural Sound Practice Training Programme, beginning in September 2026.

This brand‑new annual training offer provides a comprehensive, flexible, and practical pathway for anyone looking to start, develop, or refine their skills in facilitating inclusive music‑making opportunities alongside Learning Disabled people with complex support needs.

The programme brings Soundabout’s 30 years of specialist knowledge and person-centred practice, together into one accessible training route, all grounded in our unique approach.

A 12 Month Programme to Build Confidence, Knowledge, and Skills

Running from September 2026 to July 2027, the Sound Practice Training Programme includes:

  • 12 monthly modules, each exploring a key aspect of inclusive music making through the lens of Soundabout’s unique approach.
  • The option to complete the full 12-month programme, or, to select and undertake the individual modules most relevant to your interests.
  • In-person training days at The Platform in Swindon, as well as online training sessions, making the course accessible wherever you are.

The programme is offered as an Accredited CPD training course, giving participants formal recognition for their professional development where this is required.

What You’ll Learn:

Across the programme, you’ll deepen your understanding of Soundabout’s tried–and–tested approach through two thoughtfully designed strands: 

Part 1 – Foundations: Six modules where you’ll develop and deepen your understanding of the theory, principles and philosophy behind our approach:

  1. Commusication:  Building interactions through sound.
  2. Commusication Activities: Simple starting points for interactive music-making using voice & body.
  3. Resources & Soundabout Activities:  Interactive music-making with soundmakers & simple sensory resources.
  4. Songwriting & Storytelling: Creating music-making activities from scratch and using existing songs and stories flexibly.
  5. Session Planning: Preparing flexible & participant-centred music-making sessions and Session Assessment, Evaluation & Reflection: Understanding impact & learning from the music-making experience.
  6. Session Delivery: Creating accessible, inclusive & engaging music-making experiences and Practitioner Development & Wellbeing: Keeping yourself resourced for music-making.

Part 2 – Practical Applications: Six modules where you’ll develop and refine your confidence in applying this theory across a range of resources, settings and age groups:

  1. Resonance Boards: A flexible & creative tool for interactive music-making.
  2. Multi-Sensory Music-Making: Using themed resource & creating immersive environments.
  3. Nature Inspired Music-Making: Using natural multi-sensory resources & working outdoors.
  4. Music-Making with Learning Disabled Children in the Early Years: Theory & practice.
  5. Music-Making with Learning Disabled Children and Young People: Theory & practice.
  6. Music-Making with Learning Disabled Adults: Theory & practice.

Who Is Sound Practice For?

This programme is suitable for anybody who wishes to start, develop, or refine their skills in facilitating accessible, interactive and creative music-making opportunities alongside Learning Disabled people with Complex Support Needs, including:

  • Teachers and Teaching Assistants.
  • Day Care and Residential Centre Staff and Volunteers.
  • Freelance and Student Music Facilitators.
  • Staff of Music Hubs.
  • Music Therapists.
  • Other Health Care Professionals.
  • Parents, Family Members, and Primary Carers.

Whether you’re new to this work, or looking to develop your existing skills, the Sound Practice Training Programme will offer a welcoming and supportive environment for you to grow.

Pricing and Booking

Individual Modules:

  • £200 per module.
  • £150 discounted rate for charities, education providers, or individuals.

Full, 12 Module Programme:

  • £2,200 full programme.
  • £1,650 discounted rate for charities, education providers, or individuals.

Book Your Place

To register your interest, receive more information, or to ask any questions, please fill out our short expression of interest form here: Sound Practice Expression of Interest Form

Join Us in September to Begin Your Sound Practice Journey

This is the first time that we have brought our training courses and resources together into a full annual training programme – informed by decades of practice, shaped by our values, and designed to empower you to deliver meaningful musical activities alongside Learning Disabled people with complex support needs.

We warmly invite you to join us for this exciting new chapter.