[2025 Weekly newsletter 13] The Winds of change are blowing on Musicbuds
Discover some of the reasons why our brand name is changing as we incorporate Musicbuds into Diversitybuds
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Why change to Diversitybuds?
As awareness of our mission and resources has grown, we’ve seen a real need for stand-alone, easy-to-use DEI resources – ones that can be used separately from the high-quality musical elements that we’re known for.
We have grown to realise, many teachers and leaders, whether newly qualified or highly experienced, feel uncertain about embedding DEI in their practice. They often ask:
Why is this so urgent?
What small steps can I take right now?
How do I integrate this across my teaching?
After much reflection, my team and I realised two things:
(i) We can easily separate out our DEI resources without losing their educational integrity.
(ii) While we remain passionate about the power of music, we recognise that some educators feel more comfortable starting with DEI principles before incorporating the musical elements into their practice.
By adopting the Diversitybuds name, we’re widening our reach to make a bigger impact – faster.
From April 1st, Diversitybuds will be here to stay (and no, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke! 😉 – thanks to those of you who pointed this out. It made me realise I hadn’t quite taken the significance of the date into my decision-making! 🙄).
While we’re introducing the new name now, this will be a gentle transition over the next year, ensuring that Musicbuds remains a familiar and trusted part of our work while gradually becoming fully integrated under Diversitybuds.
As neuroscientist Daniel Levitin says,
“There is familiarity in our old friends and comfort, but there’s excitement and neuroplasticity-reward in making new friends.”
That’s exactly what we’re doing—staying connected to our musical roots while embracing a broader audience and new ways to support educators.
To end on another of his insights:
“Music is important in building healthy societies. In the broadest sense, music allows us to engage in an active imagination. We can imagine viewpoints different to the ones we may hold, perspectives different to the ones we’ve considered, a different world than the one we know. Perhaps a better world, and through the act of imagining a better world, only then can we build one.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts – do you have any strong feelings either way?
So that’s my big change for the upcoming week.
What changes (big or small) might you be making in your world?
Dr Clare Seymour
Clare has spent much of her professional career (over 30 years) in international settings. Part of her Doctoral research involved exploring the often hidden aspects of institutional racism. As a result she has a longstanding interest in, and passion for, promoting positive Diversity.
In addition to school music-teaching, Clare also has over 10 years’ experience working as an international music examiner – an understanding and respect for Diversity is so crucially important in every aspect of her practice.