World Percussion in Education
“The Rhythm of Life is a Powerful Beat, puts a Tingle in your Fingers and a Tingle in your Feet ” Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields were right! We know how important music is to society and our cultural wellbeing, and that music is a statutory part of the National Curriculum in primary and secondary schools throughout the UK. It is proven that musical education and performance participation raises the cross-curricular attainment of all students, increasing their self-confidence, creativity, mathematical and motor skills, and affording them a great sense of achievement. Classroom musical activities promote teamwork and independent learning, as well as forging social aspects which are significant and often instigate lifelong friendships. In my experience, one of the simplest and most rewarding classroom schemes of work is the practical teaching of ‘World Percussion Music’. I can assure you that the students will progress and develop new skills and understanding. All activities and tasks are all-inclusive, and are a guaranteed to enhance a ‘learning-to-learn’ environment as pupils investigate the musical options and opportunities these instruments offer. Tasks will naturally introduce pupils to key words such as timbre, tone, texture, syncopation and rhythm to name but a few, but will also raise excellent conversations and understanding of geographical cultures and ecological manufacturing techniques.
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