Defining the Modern Pannist

Since Gerald Forsyth first introduced steel pan to the UK school curriculum it has been celebrated as a remarkable tool for engaging young people. Yet, despite its richness, the steel pan has been routinely sidelined in formal music education and accreditation.

Led by educator Dawn K Batson in conversation with consultant and artist manager Elise Brown and musician Tom Challenger, join this captivating conversation as we trace the journey of the steel pan player – from those first school lessons to higher education, and right into the professional music arena. We dive into the systemic barriers that have historically kept steel pan from achieving academic equality with other instruments, and ask the big question: how do we change the game?

Come down and think together about how to dismantle the ‘novelty ceiling’ and ensure pan players are fully recognised as ‘total musicians’ and legitimate scholars of their craft – paving a truly recognised career pathway that embeds the pannist into the fabric of the music industry, now and into the future.