THE JOYS OF MUSIC

One of the joys of music is how it brings people together, be it the shared thrill of ensemble musicians creating a beautiful harmony, or the enjoyment felt by the audience as they are swept away by a crescendo of sound. These pleasures of music are essential ingredients in a quality music education, bringing purpose to a student developing their technical skill, building love for music and music-making that can last a lifetime, and building wellbeing. So how do you bring these pleasures to music education in a world where teachers can’t see their students face to face? Director of Music, Paul Smith, and the music team gave careful thought to these questions during the transition to distance learning. The challenge was to find new ways to deliver and celebrate music, ensuring the students continue to develop into well-rounded musicians with plenty of opportunities to enjoy and share their music with others. The well-judged use of technology is an important part of the transition:

‘Many aspects of the girl’s music learning convert well to a video conferencing or online format’, says Paul, ‘much of the student’s work is individually based and includes quite a bit of listening, analysis and theory, all of which work well in the current climate. Our students are also challenged to create their own music, using apps like Garage Band or Note Flight … Another app, FlipGrid, enables girls to upload recordings of their compositions, or of themselves playing their current pieces, and teachers are able to provide feedback just as they would in a face to face setting.’

Recordings are also key to enabling students to keep up their individual practise at home, often using accompaniments created for them by Shaun Jones, Co-ordinator of Keyboard. Performances and other opportunities for shared music-making remain central experiences for our young musicians. The School’s regular programme of instrumental soirées now continues virtually, as students perform live for their classmates and teachers via video conferencing. Choirs have also moved online, and the role of student musicians in the wider School life continues, with girls playing for Assembly via video recording.

‘These opportunities are so important in the development of the musicianship of our students … in these challenging times of COVID-19, music has another role to play … Music has always brought Ruyton students together, but now more than ever, it reinforces their connections with each other.’

Interview with Paul Smith, Director of Music by Cathy Dodson, Community Relations

IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES OF COVID-19, MUSIC HAS ANOTHER ROLE TO PLAY