Music Education Matters 2018 Further Session Announcements
We are delighted to announce the final two #MEM2018 sessions.
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra’s Godchild Project
Annika Kukkonen, producer of Education, will introduce the Godchild Project of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra which aims to offer families a shared experience and awaken a love of music. Believing that the best way to secure a bright future for classical music is through the extensive involvement of children and through collaboration, The Godchild project sees the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra invite an entire age group, most recently babies born in 2012, to be its godchildren. The programme offers family concerts and has involved 3400 families since its inception, engaging with grandparents, parents and siblings as well as the “godchildren” themselves. Having been nominated for the Classical: NEXT 2018 Innovation Award, the project has gained visibility in the media and has also developed the image of the orchestra among Helsinki’s Citizens.
Composition & Digital Technologies
Dr OIiver Searle from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Peter Sparkes will discuss their project 'Technophonia' which was commissioned by Drake Music Scotland to highlight the musical talents of young people with disabilities using inclusive music technology.
A number of technologies were utilised in the project (e.g. Skoog, Soundbeam, Brainfingers), with a view to introducing participants to new musical performance, and the development of digital instruments within a live, acoustic setting. An ensemble was created especially for the project, from a group of young people playing acoustic and electric instruments, giving the opportunity for individuals from a range of backgrounds to perform, learn and interact with their peers. Since the completion of Technophonia (which was the recipient of a PRS 20x12 New Music Award, and part of the cultural Olympiad that year), the work begun has impacted directly upon Oliver’s teaching at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, with the formation of a new course component Composing and Creative Music Making, available to students from a wide variety of disciplines.