Getting Connected

Here in North Yorkshire, we are surrounded by beautiful landscapes but the nitty-gritty of living in the countryside isn’t always quite so idyllic. It can feel lonely growing up in a place where public transport is poor, where there aren’t many children, and where opportunities to engage in music and the arts are few and far between.

NYMAZ is a youth music charity that firmly believes every child should have the right to make music, no matter how remote their geographical location. We discussed this issue with Music Education Hubs and a common thread appeared – it was difficult to offer a high quality, diverse music education to children in rurally isolated areas when the transport, cost and logistical barriers were so high.

We were curious. We wanted to find a way to give children in rural areas the same life opportunities as those in urban areas. Could digital technologies provide the solution for the Hubs? We set ourselves the challenge of investigating how online innovations could help more children in remote locations access music education & enrichment activities. And so, Connect: Resound was born.

By running pilots in schools we identified a tried and tested model for remote real-time music learning. Our cost-effective, reliable technology set-up facilitates live online instrumental tuition.

It enables a teacher from the local music service to give a lesson to an individual or a group remotely, but in real time. Using technology in this way means that the Hubs can reach far more pupils in more schools. And the results have been fantastic, not only in terms of musical development and progression but also the improved focus and concentration of students.

Last year we were awarded funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to extend the project for four more years. We are continuing to tackle rural isolation but also investigating how the technology can be used to work with children in other challenging circumstances, including those with mental health issues, young unaccompanied migrants and looked after children.

Another strand of Connect: Resound is bringing unique, inspiring and high-quality music experiences to the classroom. Our special series of live online broadcasts is designed especially for children and young people and is opening up the world of music, from different genres to venues, including festivals and outdoor events. Pupils can delve deeper too, with exclusive opportunities to ask questions and find out more about the musicians, the music and the instruments played. Everyone is welcome to tune in to access these free events; the only requirement is an internet connection.

@NYMAZmusic

@PrimaryMusicMag