Simply Music - Technology Inspired Music in Education: August 2012

Simply Music (www.simplymusic.ie) is a percussion workshop that combines interactive technology and live music performance, through a fun-filled and engaging process, for pupils learning through either the English or Irish language: http://vimeo.com/39712120

In November 2011 Simply Music received a "Highly Commended" European Award for its use of Technology in Education as part of the MEDEA Awards Ceremony, which took place during the Media & Learning Conference 2011 in Brussels. The aim of the MEDEA Awards is to encourage innovation and good practice in the use of media (audio, video, graphics and animation) in education: http://www.medea-awards.com/showcase/simply-music-technology-inspired-music-in-education-workshop s

Summer 2012 In-Service Teacher Training Course:

https://youtu.be/f6SgmR_EWLM

Simply Music delivered its 6th consecutive year of In-Service Teacher Training courses in The National Concert Hall, Ireland, August 13th - 17th, 2012. This year we were delighted to have MEDEA2020 (http://www.medea2020.eu/) on board and hope to work with them in Belgium, next summer.

Thanks to:

The National Concert Hall of Ireland
The Department of Education & Skills
Sile Daly
Philip Penny/Sally Reynolds - IADT/MEDEA2020
The Arts Council of Ireland

Teacher Training Programme Aim:

This programme has been designed to:

Develop an appreciation and understanding of the potential to utilise new and emerging technologies to support the implementation of the primary music curriculum for music
Provide an explanation and overview of current relevant technologies
Provide access to instrumental and vocal practice and performance opportunities to develop teacher confidence within the classroom context
Develop creativity in teaching approaches to enhance students experience in learning music
Develop new ways of learning through a peer-learning / shared-learning experience

The aims of the music curriculum are to enable the experience of excitement, satisfaction and self-confidence. All these core values are incorporated into teacher training workshops in order to let the child in us be the key to all invention and creativity. The music curriculum itself encourages young children to recognise and perform simple rhythm patterns from known pictorial symbols.

The incorporation of an integrated approach to music in the classroom in terms of utilisation of new and emerging technologies familiar to students’ has the benefit of providing experiential learning thus broadening and enriching their experience and participation in music. In addition, multimedia technology offers high tech support for a range of graphic, textual and sound sources, which can greatly enhance understanding in music.

The incorporation of technology in teacher training music workshops develops a confidence and independence through taking the initiative, making decisions, individually and as a member of a group, through composition and performance activities. These attributes can then be successfully communicated to the child as outlined in the broad objectives of the music curriculum.

Some of the Testimonials from the National Concert Hall 5-Day course

(Aug 13th - 17th, 2012):

"The technological aspects have been very useful as I work in a special school with students ranging in age from 3-18 and we use a lot of technology."
(Síobhan Keane, Central Remedial Clinic School, Clontarf, Dublin 13)

The Simply Music Programme is of a "Very high quality. Great demonstrations."
…"Marvelous openness to discussion, experimentation and specific information re computer software."
....I found that the parts of the workshop that benefited me most were "The practical side - composition, rhythm, playing, plus an insight into a variety of computer software incl. iPad's, speakers etc. plus the camaraderie/teamwork."
(E. O'Breslin, Mother of DevineGrace Primary School, Dublin 11)

"I was glad of advice given by professional musicians in relation to teaching music in the primary classroom. I feel that I will be a more confident music teacher as a result." ..."The facilitators were very engaging, informative and approachable."
(Aideen McPartland, Mullaghbuoy N.S., Dundalk, Co. Louth)

"There was a sense of creative flow throughout the (5-day) course." ..."The facilitators had "A great combination of talent, creativity, approachfulness, relevance and fun!"
(Aoife Curran, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Kilkerley, Dundalk, Co. Louth)

For more information about School Workshops or Teacher Training Courses
Contact:

Paul Maher, M.Sc in Education & Training Management (E-Learning)
Director
Simply Music

Mobile: +353 (01) 2856162
Tel:        +353 (0) 87 2227718
Web:    www.simplymusic.ie
Email:    info@simplymusic.ie