One Small Step
A musical time-travel adventure about small actions and big differences.
One Small Step follows the adventures of Joanna Pianna and her wonderfully chaotic Music Mayhem Machine, travelling through time to share music from the past, present and future. Along the way, the children meet Joanna — a grumpy old piano with a big problem: she has forgotten the final line of her special song about caring for the planet.
With the children’s help, Joanna discovers how small everyday actions can make a big difference. Through music by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Liszt and Wallen, pupils explore ideas like walking to school, saving energy, and recycling — learning that even in Key Stage 1, they can help shape a better future.
Because in the end, it’s all about taking one small step.
What Children and Teachers Told Us
One Small Step didn’t just entertain, it sparked excitement, curiosity, and real conversations long after the music stopped. Children were quick to share their enthusiasm, with one pupil saying, “It was really fun, it made me want to play the piano!” while another loved the mystery woven into the story: “I liked it when the piano kept giving you clues.” The live performance left a big impression too, “Yuanfan was brilliant and his hands moved so fast!”
Teachers saw that energy translate into lasting impact. One described the project as “one of the best things the children have accessed musically,” while others noticed pupils beginning to make small environmental changes inspired by the performance. As one teacher shared, “I have overheard lots of children wanting to ride their scooter more… my class enjoy not having ‘the big light’ on… and they can explain renewable energy and its impact on the world they live in.”
The musical impact was just as powerful. Following the session, one school is now “arranging a music intervention for our very special children after they responded so well to the music they were listening to.”
Future Plans
We are currently working with creative partners in Leeds to develop an animated version of One Small Step. Following the success of Count Me In, this new film will bring the story to schools and concert halls across the UK, the US, and beyond. reaching even more young audiences through music and storytelling.
Schools interested in finding out more about One Small Step or future projects are warmly invited to get in touch.
Please email [email protected]
to start the conversation.