skip to main content

Free Body Percussion Education Resource Released by Inspire Works

Inspire-works has released a new, Arts Council England funded, educational resource on using body percussion as part of the recovery curriculum before and during Covid-19.

Published: 06 August 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Two facilitators with joyful expressions, caught in movement by the photograph in front of the Inspire Works logo.
Inspire works has released a new, Arts Council England funded, educational resource on using body percussion as part of the recovery curriculum before and during Covid-19.

The #BodyPercussion #RecoveryCurriculum includes over 30 videos, differentiated for learners in Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 – as well as exercises specifically aimed at adults and teachers.

It uses evidence-based and peer-reviewed fun and engaging exercises inspired by the latest developments in neuroscience that have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system and improve creativity.

The mental health and well-being benefits of group music-making are well-known

Mike Simpson, Co-Founder & Musical Director, Inspire-works describes the need that led to the creation of the #BodyPercussion #RecoveryCurriculum:

“The forthcoming term may be a challenging time for both children and staff who may be anxious about returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown. The mental health and well-being benefits of group music-making are well-known but with government restrictions stating group singing and sharing of instruments will be limited when schools return in September, schools may struggle to find appropriate resources to help improve the sense of well-being within their community.

“Therefore, we wanted to be able to share our experience of leading body percussion workshops which help to create a fun, positive and uplifting environment and can be safely socially distanced. We also wanted to share our training in using the arts for mental health.

“We are very grateful to the Arts Council England Emergency Response Fund grant which has enabled us to design and film these fun resources during the lockdown that can be used by any teacher, regardless of their musical ability, and with any size of group either in the classroom or via video tuition.”

Download the #BodyPercussion #RecoveryCurriculum from the Inspire-works website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

Read more about MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026
Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians