I had a great day in Blackburn on Friday, courtesy of Sean Ashmore, Head of Music at Pleckgate High School.
It may be 3 hours and 20 minutes up the M40/M6, but hugely worthwhile and enjoyable. It is great be a part of what the school is doing.
Sean was also very kind and hosted our clients from Hull, who are rolling Gigajam out across the City. More on that as it develops.
I have written a quick news item on the Gigajam homepage: http://schools.gigajam.com/
Thanks Sean.
Brian
http://schools.gigajam.com/
http://gigajamvle.com/
Musical Instrument Tuition through eLearning Harnessing Technology for education and music
Tuesday 13 July 2010
Thursday 8 July 2010
Making More of Music
I have spent the last 6 years building Gigajam which was created out of a passion for music and learning music - it remains. I didn't realise how hard it was going to be and how many hurdles are built. I have learned that there are many issues surrounding the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. I believe more than ever that there is a pivotal role for technology in increasing the chance for more young people to learn.
Of course, having the opportunity is great, but then, we need to really think about the quality of that opportunity. Is it a one-off taster, does it cater for the individuals needs and desires, is it affordable, accessible, should it be free at the point of access, paid for by parents, where does entitlment sit? etc.
Ofsted have reviewed music in schools and did so at a time when much debate has provided a great deal of focus and resources to support music making. I feel the report shines a light on the elephant in the room - I am not sure though that anybody is really looking - So if you can bear not to cover your eyes, there will never be enough money and teachers to provide instrumental tuition to all for a sustained and impactful period of time.
Ours is not a silver bullett, but in the 21st century you need to add technology to the mix in a meaningful and effective way - that is not just using a whiteboard!! This is our considered response to Ofsted's Making More of Music - http://schools.gigajam.com/makingmore
Of course, having the opportunity is great, but then, we need to really think about the quality of that opportunity. Is it a one-off taster, does it cater for the individuals needs and desires, is it affordable, accessible, should it be free at the point of access, paid for by parents, where does entitlment sit? etc.
Ofsted have reviewed music in schools and did so at a time when much debate has provided a great deal of focus and resources to support music making. I feel the report shines a light on the elephant in the room - I am not sure though that anybody is really looking - So if you can bear not to cover your eyes, there will never be enough money and teachers to provide instrumental tuition to all for a sustained and impactful period of time.
Ours is not a silver bullett, but in the 21st century you need to add technology to the mix in a meaningful and effective way - that is not just using a whiteboard!! This is our considered response to Ofsted's Making More of Music - http://schools.gigajam.com/makingmore
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