It's been another magical year of music and opportunities and we would like to share some of our personal highlights
Mark Steele - Ed Sheeran's surprise visits to Coventry
"A highlight for 2025 has to be showing the wonderful Ed Sheeran around the city – twice!. His passion for music education and the time he spent talking to school staff and young people has truly transformed the aspirations of students across the city and the profile for Music Education in Coventry. The most magical moments from both visits were watching the faces of the young people when Ed Sang at Barrs Hill School, and again at the TIN Music and Arts where he was joined by one of our students. His messages of resilience and to keep trying and performing will stick with me as they do for all of those involved with the visits."
We even made the national papers! Read all about Ed's visit to Coventry, why music is so important and how Ed Sheeran is helping and making a difference to young people - Why Ed Sheeran went back to school
Claire Tyler - Music Mark Conference Session November 2025
On Tuesday 18th November, Coventry Music lead one of the sessions at the Music Mark Conference in Nottingham – Engaging the Disengaged Through Music – working in Alternative Provision.
Claire said about the event, "Joe Cook lead the session with two of the post 16 students who attend The Herald – Coventry Alternative Provision Academy. Jamie and Louis performed a rap together that they had written and also helped with the lyric writing part of the session. Attendees at the conference were assisted by Joe to start their own raps about the power of music and Jamie and Louis went around with the roaming mics to capture some of the performances. Despite both being nervous in such a big space in front of music professionals they performed brilliantly and were also very encouraging to the audience members to share their ideas. It was a really engaging, fun session and a testament to the strong relationship that Joe has built with these students over many years and the skills that they have developed through performing at Godiva and other events over the years. "
Mark Patton - Phoenix Rising: Children in Care Band Performance at the SEND Conference, October 2025
"One of our proudest moments in 2025 was seeing Phoenix Rising, our newly formed Children in Care Band, take the stage at the Coventry SEND Conference. Performing in front of 150 primary SENCO leads and Coventry City Council’s Education Leadership Team, the band showcased not only their musical talent but their resilience and creativity.
The group of six young musicians delivered an inspiring set featuring songs from their favorite artists and an original piece written by our lead singer. This original song powerfully expressed lived experiences within the care system, creating a deeply moving moment for everyone present.
This performance was more than music, it was a celebration of voice, identity, and empowerment for children in care. The band also unveiled their own logo design, a symbol of their unity and creativity, which we proudly share as part of this highlight"
Mark Allison - watching students excel and progress across 2025
"My highlights this year have been watching the solo performances of students at our recital night at Drapers Hall in the summer of 2025, seeing the awe on the faces of fellow education colleagues when Wilson - a young year 10 grade 8 piano student treated the audience to a piano solo at the Welcome Centre as part of the Education Conference and welcoming so many new players to the kickstart programme at Blue Coat secondary school this academic year"
Vicky Clayton - Junior Voices visit the Albert Hall November 2025
"A highlight of the academic year for Coventry Junior Voices Choir was undoubtedly their inspirational trip to London to perform at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth Proms. From the moment they arrived, the scale and splendour of the building left them speechless. Many of them simply stood in awe and whispered a heartfelt “wow” as they first glimpsed the inside of the iconic auditorium. Singing alongside other talented young musicians from across the country gave them a powerful sense of pride and belonging, and their singing was nothing short of fabulous. Their focus, confidence, and exceptional behaviour throughout the day reflected just how happy they were to be involved.
The experience also offered a rich cultural and educational benefit for every young person involved. Performing in such a historic venue, hearing a wide range of musical styles, and witnessing the passion of other young performers broadened their understanding of what the arts can offer. It was a day that fuelled their creativity, strengthened their teamwork, and showed them the excitement and possibility that music can bring. For many, it will be a memory they carry with them for years - a shining moment in their musical journey and a true highlight of 2025"
Claire Tyler and Kevin Stannard - Lady Godiva's Birthday Suit Musical - Live in Broadgate - Summer 2025
Claire said, "Another highlight for me - In July this year, Coventry schools performed a very special musical show about the Coventry “Icon of the City” herself, Lady Godiva live in Broadgate. From the original book by Aaron Ashmore “Lady Godiva’s Birthday Suit”, a musical production was created with script and lyrics by Aaron and music by our very own composer and Music Engagement Officer - Kevin Stannard. Children from many different schools took on the roles of Lord Leofric, Lady Godiva, the Mayor, Town Crier, towns people and even the famous horse! The songs were sung with energy and enthusiasm and there was even a dance led by the tutors and artists from the Royal Ballet and Opera. It was a lovely morning of musical theatre performance and even made it on BBC television and radio news!"
Watch the BBC news report below
Arjun Jethwa - Coventry Music Podcast
Arjun said,"One of my highlights this year has been working with students on the Coventry Music podcast. This behind the scenes photo shows how we actually record, and is a great picture showing off the versatility of our young people. Really proud of how our younger students at Coventry Music are starting to take ownership of their own musical journey!"
Listen to our full podcast on Spotify and follow @coventrymusic on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube
Joe Cook - Coventry AP Academy performances and content creation
Joe's highlights this year are of the amazing work his students at the AP Academy have been doing this year and how proud he is of the performances they have given and the opportunities that have been presented.
- This year they performed live at the Godiva Festival 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qePwXCuI5CI&list=RDqePwXCuI5CI&startradio=1
- took part in the Mad about Bards project - where they produced Shakespeare inspired rap music which was featured at the local RSC meeting at Belgrade Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS5rDESpRzI&list=RDFS5rDESpRzI&startradio=1
- Made and recorded some great tracks for instance; Chat About - A collaboration track from Coventry AP Academy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ThwUrfR5ZI&list=RD-ThwUrfR5ZI&startradio=1
- Met Ed Sheeran twice, and got to perform tracks with him!
Joe said about his work with the AP academy, "I work for Coventry Music engaging young people who have been excluded from mainstream education in music making. What started off as half a day 5ish years ago has now grown to three full days teaching. I've even blagged myself a page on their website. I love my 'job' for lots of different reasons. If you are interested in youth engagement, music education and working with 'at risk' youth check out some of the work we've produced over the years. It's really humbling to have it all in one place."
Coventry Academy - Coventry Music
Check out the YouTube playlist featuring the above and many more tracks by this amazing young artists! 
Dan Wilby - working with Soundlab-COV group
"my highlight would be seeing the amazing progress that our young people have made at Soundlab. We have 2 new bands this year and they have come so far already, they both have a unique vibe to them which is so inspiring to hear. Can't wait to see where they go!"
Watch some of the young performers at the recent SoundLab sharing event
Amy Randall and Becky Twite- Godiva Festival 2025 - Summer 2025
Amy said, "A personal highlight for me every year is seeing some of our young people getting the chance to perform live at the Godiva Festival - a true life-changing experience. This year saw Soundlab, Positive Choices, students from AP Academy, Five Feet Under - Godiva Calling Under 18s Winners, our talented young female DJ's - from our DJ project in partnership with COV, and some of young Live on Stage Bands performing live. What made this year extra special was watching our young podcasters take over our social media and cover the event live throughout the day, with exclusive interviews with several of the performers."
Becky said about the event, "Was nice to see the future stars of tomorrow performing on The Cov Stage takeover on Sunday"
Watch one of young female DJ's perform and being interviewed by our Podcasters about what the project is so important.
Find this and so many more Godiva 2025 memories on our socials
Emma Driver - Summer Showcase, June 2025
"My personal highlight was the Summer showcase this year. I think it was the best one yet, and to receive a standing ovation from the audience was incredible."
Watch the full performance below. This is always one of the highlights of every year and we can't wait to do it all again next year!