The context of this paper is a New Zealand secondary school music programme. The problem to explore is how do teachers and students develop and maintain a sense of purpose, motivation and creativity in our current education context: working with a climate of disruption rather than counter to it?A triangulation method was used from student interviews, surveys, creative outputs and teacher observations. The study found that by focussing on empathic relationships between the teacher and student, peer to peer interactions as well as considerations of the physical learning space and resources available, there was a discernible shift in students’ perceptions of self, their relationships and their productivity and wellbeing as well as a significant shift in retention, motivation and achievement across all year levels.This paper explores the concepts of radical inclusion (Dempsey & Brafman) as well as the relationship of learning environment and motivation (Kaplan & Patrick) to attempt to define the main influences that contribute to developing a culture of empathy in a high school music programme. Through a flexible, collaborative approach to performance and songwriting, students seem to be better equipped to navigate through these uncertain, anxiety-induced times; finding their own pathway, identity, belonging and connection in a perceived climate of disconnectivity.Methodological triangulation approach:1. Collecting student surveys and anecdotal interviews on feedback about i) teaching resources (music technology, instruments, software and physical learning spaces), ii) teaching approach (radical inclusion, the Maori concepts of whakawhanaungatanga - building meaningful relationships; tuakana-teina - older sister/younger sister peer support and ako - reciprocal teaching and learning) and iv) learning activities (optional projects, flexible approach - face to face and online)2. Collecting creative outputs (performances and recordings) 3. Colleague teacher observations about the teaching and learning approach to promote a culture of empathy