I Can Compose was recently selected to join the UK delegation of education businesses in the Midlands and North of England with the Department for Business and Trade, to attend GESS Dubai 2024. This was made possible by an export grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
GESS (Global Education Supplies Show) is the largest education trade show in the Middle East and was an excellent opportunity to meet with other education companies and attend some inspiring sessions.
I was keen to connect with music educators in the region and was invited to deliver composing workshops at GEMS Wellington International School and Kent College Dubai.
GESS Dubai
As part of the trade mission the DBT delegation were supported by BESA (British Education Suppliers Association) in the UK pavilion. There was a wealth of experience within our trade mission group and I was struck by their generosity in sharing knowledge and networks.
Reception at the British Embassy UAE
We were honoured to be invited to attend an education reception at the British Embassy UAE, hosted by Oliver Christian, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. It was a wonderful evening meeting key education stakeholders and sharing our passion for supporting music teachers and students at I Can Compose.
Workshop at Kent College Dubai
I received a warm welcome (literally – it was 32 degrees!) at Kent College Dubai, met by the Head of Music, James Langford and the student music ambassador, who helped me to set up the Year 10-13 workshop. During the practical session we explored how to create and handle musical tension through listening, group work and a short composing task.
Workshop at GEMS Wellington International School
At GEMS Wellington International School I was delighted to meet Jane Mhraihi, the Wellington Cluster Director of Music and to lead a short workshop for the Year 11 students.
What’s next?
Since returning from Dubai I was invited to meet online the GEMS music teachers online to talk about approaches to delivering composing in the classroom and I’m looking forward to taking the conversation further. I Can Compose are also looking forward to exhibiting at the Bett Show 2025 in London where we can follow up with connections made in the UAE. You’ll also see us at the Music Teacher Association’s annual conference in Bristol 2025.
