Keys of Inspiration® UK
Lang Lang is bringing music to British state schools in a project that will set up state-of-the-art “piano-labs” across the nation. Each lab will have 20 to 30 keyboards.
The scheme is inspired by his programs in the US and China, in which he has invested tens of millions of pounds, and is primarily for pupils aged seven to 12.
The first UK school to benefit will be the Winns primary school in Waltham Forest, London’s 12th mos deprived borough, where 53% of resident are from a minority ethnic background. It will receive 30 keyboards within the next few weeks.
Every lab is accompanied by a curriculum created by the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and Lang Lang, with continuing teacher training, grants, and headphones that allow group piano classed to be held.
Believing that music “heals, unites and inspires, and it makes us better people”, the pianist has dedi-cated himself to education through the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and his Keys of Inspira-tion curriculum programme.
Asked what inspired him to support UK schools, he told the Guardian:
“We were able to identify many similarities between state schools in the UK and public schools in the US in terms of the way access to music and arts canbe extremely lim-ited when budgets are cut… I was so surprised by how music classes are never a guarantee.”
“The schools and teachers are incredible and are so dedicated to providing their students with everything they can. But it shocked me how access to music education can be so limited.”
Oli Rose, the foundation’s global development director, said all the evidence had showed that music could transformyounglives, directly affecting behaviour, general mood and self-confidence.
“We’ve seen how powerful the programme can be,” he said.
Lang Lang said: “When I visit our partner schools and see the joy on the students’ faces or hear from our teachers about the progress stu-dents are making, I’m reminded of why we created this programme -to give children an opportunity to discover what they’re capable of achieving and to lift up their voices through music.”
UK Schools with KOI Piano Labs
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“Out there and among us, there are so many generous people who discreetly make a difference in children’s lives. The Lang Lang Foundation is one example of care, generosity, and commitment: commitment to making the world a better place through music. I have taught children who changed their mood or simply forgot about a headache while playing the piano, and children who look forward to a specific day of the week, as it’s piano day.”
– Andreea Gheorghe, music teacher at Winns Primary School.At The Winns, kindness, understanding and respect are at the heart of our ethos and underpin everything we do. We are incredibly proud of our diverse school community. Our children love school, they are curious and excited about learning and impress us every day with their thoughtful behaviour, their resilience and determination to learn.
At The Winns we believe that a great school is one where all families feel they belong, where they feel welcome and know they will be listened to if they have any worries or concerns. We are first and foremost a community school and are very proud of our diverse community. We value the richness this brings to our school. -
“The atmosphere is “beyond crescendo”. I’ve never seen children this excited. They want to be in school because of the Keys Of Inspiration program. They don’t want to miss a lesson. They want to be in the lab to practice because suddenly something is enriching that they know is unique to their school and this community.”
– Peter James, Risley Avenue Music Teacher.Here at Risley we challenge and support every pupil to achieve their full potential in an atmosphere of respect. We prepare our children through irresistible learning opportunities to grow into responsible, respectful, independent citizens who are equipped and confident to take their place in the wider world. Parents, governors, staff and children in this learning community strive every day to make Risley a vibrant, inclusive, safe, and happy school. We aim to be remembered by all who come here as a place where learning is at the heart of living.
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“The difference the labs are making is already being felt across the school. There is a real sense of pride that comes with having kit like that, and the Head of Music has already noticed how pupils are settling quicker as the classes start – there are less delays because all the headphones work and people want to get going. Having the right equipment really makes a tangible difference.”
– Delia Smith, Headteacher at Ark Academy. -
Head of Music at Ark John Keats has said,
“The pianos have had an immense impact on the progress of our pupils so far this year. Pupils from ages 7-16 have enjoyed playing on them and we have seen enthusiasm for music at its highest yet. Pupils love to come to music and play on the pianos and we have seen a real lift in the quality of our music provision since receiving the Lang Lang pianos.”
We are delighted to introduce you to Ark John Keats Academy. The academy is a 3 to 18 all-through school in Enfield, with a mixed comprehensive intake. We opened our doors to our first Reception classes in September 2013 and our first cohort of year 7 pupils joined us in September 2014. We currently have over 1700 pupils enrolled from Nursery to Year 13. The academy was graded Good in all areas in our Ofsted inspection of January 2023.
Ark John Keats is a very proud member of the successful Ark network of schools. Our curriculum is academic, planned to prepare pupils for the best universities by emphasising mastery of knowledge and skills. Our teaching staff are experts in their subject areas and all staff at the academy share a commitment to upholding the highest expectations. We have created an academy that is renowned for its calm, orderly and purposeful environment, where pupils behave maturely and respectfully.
