We are very excited about the BBC’s new project to boost engagement with classical musical  for primary school pupils. Ten Pieces is an exciting new initiative for primary schools, led by BBC Learning and the BBC Performing Groups, focusing on classical music and creativity.

Ten Pieces will run over the 2014/15 school year. Starting in the autumn term with a week of special events for schools across the country, the project will culminate in a major celebratory finale in the summer of 2015.

Ten Pieces aims to open up the world of classical music to children and inspire them to develop their own creative responses to the pieces through music, dance or digital art. The repertoire will include a range of music from the baroque period to the present day.

In October 2014, Ten Pieces will begin with a week of free nationwide cinema screenings for schools of a stunning new cinematic film introducing ten pieces of classical music featuring the world-class BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The film will also be made available on DVD to schools on request (while stocks last).

During October 2014 to March 2015, children will be asked to respond creatively to the music through their own compositions, dance or digital art/animation. BBC Learning will provide a wealth of online resources to support children’s exploration of the works – and help them develop their creative responses. Schools can link up with the Ten Pieces Champions in their area to build on the work they are doing in the classroom. The BBC Orchestras and BBC Singers will also be running some exciting workshops – details of these will be available on the Ten Pieces website.

Finally, during April 2015 to July 2015, the project will culminate in a major event that will showcase the work of children from the nations and regions, as well as the original 10 pieces. Clips of creative responses from children throughout the UK will be made available online.

This will be an excellent project. We’d encourage all primary educators to get involved. You can sign up for a newsletter to keep in touch with the project and further information is available now on the BBC’s Ten Pieces website.