High Schools

The Music Education paradigm has shifted over the decades towards a more collaborative and inclusive form of pedagogy. Students more than ever, have the opportunity to be musicians through authentic and kinaesthetic experiences. Learning in the 21st Century classroom requires essential skills such as creativity, teamwork and leadership. Music Education can contribute significantly to these dispositions.

Music Education Incursions are designed for students to experience music within a ‘hands-on structure. Workshops are engaging and offer a different perspective to playing music than their regular classroom would allow. Academic success can be correlated with children who play a musical instrument. Increased memory and a greater focus are examples of this. Many workshops supplement current NSW Syllabus requirements and can provide as personal development opportunities for the classroom music teacher. The Concepts of Music which are addressed from K7-12 can come to life from incursion based activities.

Music Incursions are designed to enable all students to participate and to succeed regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability. Many schools use Musical Education as part of their Wellbeing or Pastoral Care Program.  For example, a school in Western Sydney utilises an African Drumming activity that runs each week concurrently throughout the term.  The aim of the session is to encourage transitioning for refugees into a mainstream high school. Though music is the vehicle, music is not the only positive aspect;  interpersonal skills and increased social self-efficacy have been immediately apparent from this simple initiative.

Music, particularly when exposed at a young age has been proven to enhance cognitive function. A greater sense of focus is attributed to musicians as well as higher levels of self-efficacy. Schools are starting to recognise the healing aspects of music. Inclusive workshops can be very effective with students who may need to channel aggression, behaviour or social anxieties.

After the incursions, teachers are encouraged to reflect and synthesise with the students what they have learnt; this could be through cultural, social or musical means. Students can discuss elements of the incursion that was most memorable and use the practical skills learnt to revisit and to build on their group performances.

Learning is best embodied when positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment are working together. Music is an art form that should be expressed and shared. Sadly, most Year 8 students will cease to continue with Year 9 music study. It is essential that we expose the beauty and importance of music in our lives to children. It is hoped that music within the education model will be playing a louder crescendo as we move into the next decade.

 

Follow this link to view workshop options.
For bookings & other information contact us on 1300 189 187