Devon hits the right note globally

Now in its sixth year, the International Conference for Research in Music Education draws extensive interest from music education experts, many of whom have a significant impact on and potential to influence music education on a world wide level.

Sarah Hennessy, Director of the conference and Senior Lecturer in Music Education at the University of Exeter, said, ‘This conference provides a forum for academics, teachers and practitioners from all over the world to meet and share their work, develop networks, and generate collaborative research projects.  This helps to address ways of developing and improving music education for young people in and out of schools, and for the training of professional musicians and music teachers.'

As part of the five day event (14 -18 April) focusing on research in music education, South West Music School, which supports exceptionally gifted music students through master-classes and mentor schemes, will be sharing their new approach to teaching in addition to performing to the delegates. By highlighting their unique approach, they may have an impact on how to support talented young musicians in other parts of the world.

Wren Music is a professional, artist-led folk and community arts development organisation, working in Devon, the Westcountry, nationally and internationally. Its mission is to inspire creativity and celebrate cultural identities, and the over half of their projects are with under eighteens.  Paul Wilson, Director of Wren Music is used to addressing major players in the world of music and education as he currently advises the Government on its Music Manifesto on how to support music education.  At the conference Paul will be demonstrating how one Devon based music project has developed its teaching approach through close links with oral traditions.  The oral and musical traditions of the South West will be shared and there could be links generated with other countries who find a connection with this folk music.

Six members of the Wren Youth Council will show delegates how to play tunes from the West Country on instruments ranging from guitars, to fiddles and mandolins, and invite delegates to make music with them  There will also be an opportunity for international delegates to ask questions directly to the young people which may bring out themes such as collaborative arranging and composing, non-formal learning and the relationship between oral learning and literacy.

In addition to the South West connections, the conference covers current and original research, including projects such as the three year Comenius 3 project (2006-2009).  Exeter scholar, Sarah Hennessy is involved with other leading European academics and practitioners in developing learning outcomes for European music teacher training; and mapping music education in schools and music teacher training in 19 countries of Europe.  The University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna is the managing the meNet project.