'Inside the Bubble' - Online Music Workshops
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I began running my free online musical workshops for children at the very start of 'Lockdown' in March 2020. Nobody could have predicted how things would develop, but online working became a must for many of us! As we move beyond the lockdown, but with longer-term social distancing measures in place, please read on for more information on how we might continue to provide music education within the classroom 'bubble system'.
Thanks to support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, I have been able to continue to provide my free live-streamed workshops for children right through the summer and into the autumn term. This has allowed me to develop my professional practice and evolve a new way of working which is very adaptable. My workshops focus on the development of fundamental musical skills such and listening, pitch and pulse, however as these have been very anxious times for many families it was important to me that I put well-being at the heart of my workshops.
Music supports good mental health, builds confidence, and supports emotional development. My aim has been to help children to develop a healthy musical mind during a stressful time. I have also made a deliberate attempt to integrate 'life skills' (such as good hygiene, stress reduction techniques & recognition of emotions) into my workshops.
The Public Health Agency acknowledges the great benefits of singing (as well as rhythm and movement) and recommends it as an activity which can support children with their self-regulation and their emotions. In an article on their website entitled 'Looking after our own and our children's emotions during COVID-19' the PHA say this: 'when children are in a fearful state, they also have a heightened state of arousal. Rhythm and movement can help to regulate them, such as walking, running, dancing and singing.'
any children have returned to a much-changed school-life, with classes operating a 'bubble' system. This means that visiting tutors and specialists are not allowed to come into classrooms as they would have before. The evidence shows that singing does not pose a substantially greater risk than speaking and that the risk from both increases with volume. Find out more here>
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2020/august/perfomsing-study.html
Very sadly, I have been informed today (8th September 2020) that the Education Authority has now issued guidance to schools saying that singing should not take place. I will be requesting the risk assessment for this decision, which doesn't appear to be supported by the research. However, in my opinion we must NOT allow this to prevent our children benefitting from music education.
Music education, (of which singing is a key part) are a fundamental part of the curriculum in Northern Ireland.
Music education:
If you're an educator who wants to talk through these challenges I'll try to help. Some great food-for-thought re. risk assessments for singing in schools is here. You can get in touch with me via the contact page or just give me a call on 07827 568931. There are no strings attached (no pun intended!).
Equally, if you think that the children in your school or 'bubble' would benefit from professional live/ pre-recorded/ interactive remote music workshops which are specifically tailored to the curriculum & the needs of your children then please give me a call!
I have a background in professional orchestral performance, and as such I have been incorporating non-singing based approaches to teaching key musical principles to children into my classes for years now. Despite my belief that these methods are NOT a substitute for singing, it is very sadly where we find ourselves currently. I hope the situation is short-lived! As my workshops are delivered remotely, distance is no object. Because what I can offer is adaptable, your school can also provide the same musical education to children who may be isolating at home, providing much-needed continuity and familiarity :)
I look forward to talking to you!
If you would like to make a donation towards my time/expenses for these classes or just buy me a coffee, you can do so by clicking the button below! Thanks to the people who said they wanted to do this :)
Thanks to support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, I have been able to continue to provide my free live-streamed workshops for children right through the summer and into the autumn term. This has allowed me to develop my professional practice and evolve a new way of working which is very adaptable. My workshops focus on the development of fundamental musical skills such and listening, pitch and pulse, however as these have been very anxious times for many families it was important to me that I put well-being at the heart of my workshops.
Music supports good mental health, builds confidence, and supports emotional development. My aim has been to help children to develop a healthy musical mind during a stressful time. I have also made a deliberate attempt to integrate 'life skills' (such as good hygiene, stress reduction techniques & recognition of emotions) into my workshops.
The Public Health Agency acknowledges the great benefits of singing (as well as rhythm and movement) and recommends it as an activity which can support children with their self-regulation and their emotions. In an article on their website entitled 'Looking after our own and our children's emotions during COVID-19' the PHA say this: 'when children are in a fearful state, they also have a heightened state of arousal. Rhythm and movement can help to regulate them, such as walking, running, dancing and singing.'
any children have returned to a much-changed school-life, with classes operating a 'bubble' system. This means that visiting tutors and specialists are not allowed to come into classrooms as they would have before. The evidence shows that singing does not pose a substantially greater risk than speaking and that the risk from both increases with volume. Find out more here>
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2020/august/perfomsing-study.html
Very sadly, I have been informed today (8th September 2020) that the Education Authority has now issued guidance to schools saying that singing should not take place. I will be requesting the risk assessment for this decision, which doesn't appear to be supported by the research. However, in my opinion we must NOT allow this to prevent our children benefitting from music education.
Music education, (of which singing is a key part) are a fundamental part of the curriculum in Northern Ireland.
Music education:
- supports language skills
- improves recall & concentration
- improves co-ordination
- increases confidence
- helps to develop listening skills
- encourages teamwork
- nurtures positive discipline
- enhances well-being
If you're an educator who wants to talk through these challenges I'll try to help. Some great food-for-thought re. risk assessments for singing in schools is here. You can get in touch with me via the contact page or just give me a call on 07827 568931. There are no strings attached (no pun intended!).
Equally, if you think that the children in your school or 'bubble' would benefit from professional live/ pre-recorded/ interactive remote music workshops which are specifically tailored to the curriculum & the needs of your children then please give me a call!
I have a background in professional orchestral performance, and as such I have been incorporating non-singing based approaches to teaching key musical principles to children into my classes for years now. Despite my belief that these methods are NOT a substitute for singing, it is very sadly where we find ourselves currently. I hope the situation is short-lived! As my workshops are delivered remotely, distance is no object. Because what I can offer is adaptable, your school can also provide the same musical education to children who may be isolating at home, providing much-needed continuity and familiarity :)
I look forward to talking to you!
If you would like to make a donation towards my time/expenses for these classes or just buy me a coffee, you can do so by clicking the button below! Thanks to the people who said they wanted to do this :)
'My P2/3 class thoroughly enjoyed the 'hands-on', creative music workshop. The children were inspired to take part and their self-confidence blossomed in this area of learning.'
