Reframing the Narrative for Music Teachers…
Helena Summerfield, Jazz North
Improvisation is for everyone
Join Jazz North’s Helena Summerfield at the 2026 Music & Drama Education Expo from 12th-13th February at The Business Design Centre in London, where she’ll deliver a workshop encouraging delegates to engage with jazz and improvisation. Helena’s session ‘Reframing the Narrative - Improvisation is for everyone’ is aimed at curriculum teachers (Key Stages 1-3) and instrumental tutors.
The 2026 Music & Drama Education Expo is recognised as one of the largest, free, professional development conferences for music and drama educators in the UK, offering over 60 CPD-accredited workshops, seminars, and training sessions. When interviewed for the November issue of Music Teacher Magazine Helena said:
“My session is not aimed at experienced improvisers, although they are welcome to attend! The resources that I have created offer simple yet effective pathways into jazz and improvisation. My initial focus was primary-aged children and beginner (First Access level) musicians. My ‘evil plan’ is to get children hooked on improvising at a young age and to view it as a normal part of their music lessons.”
When & where is the Music & Drama Expo?
Visit the Music & Drama Expo is from 12th-13th February 2026 and you can find the full programme and exhibitor list on their website and book your free place here: https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
Venue address
The Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street
London, N1 0QH
Did you know that Jazz North offers
free music education resources?
These resources provide simple yet effective pathways to help and encourage all teachers and students to engage with improvisation. The Learning Resources area on our website contains free, downloadable materials that are designed for curriculum music teachers, instrumental tutors and lifetime learners.
Helena Summerfield, Jazz North’s Learning and Participation project manager says:
“To many people working in music education, jazz can be a bit of a scary word and I want to try and change that perception. I would encourage all educators to view improvisation as a valuable musicianship skill rather than it being an exclusive to jazz skill. My aim with our Learning Resources Area was to create a batch of fun, user-friendly materials that all educators could engage with to start their journey with jazz.”