Conference on future of music education
The first National Conference on the Future of Music Education in Malta was recently held at Robert Samut Hall, Floriana, and St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta.
The conference presentations included ‘Training for the Music Profession – Observations from a European Perspective’ by Martin Prchal, CEO, Association of European Conservatories; ‘Composing and creativity’ by John Galea; ‘Exploring the purpose of professional development for music teachers’ by Nils Franke, director, Music Centre Institute of Education, Reading University; and ‘The importance of the arts in school on the basis of the MUS-E project’ by Werner Schmitt from European String Teachers Association International.
There were also presentations by Mariella Cassar, Education Officer in charge of Music, by Romeo Giacomotto and Mr Franke on ‘The three-year Music Teaching in Professional Practice course at Reading University and its relevance to teaching in Malta’, by Reuben Pace on ‘The use of music technology in music education’, and Joe L. Vella on ‘Band clubs – present and future’.
Sarah Spiteri spoke on ‘The music education programme at St James Cavalier’; Philip Ciantar explored ‘World Music in Maltese Music Education: Benefits and Implementation Strategies’; and Simon Mercieca and Michelle K. Paris spoke on ‘Music Studies at the University: past, present, future’.
Mr Pace also gave a presentation on ‘Music from recyclable material’ and Antoine Frendo gave one on ‘Music qualifications – recognition and applicability’.
Sventha Danneberg discussed ‘How to practise efficiently’; James Scerri Worley and Christopher Muscat spoke on ‘The Music Educators Programme of the Malta Philharmonic Society’; and Fr John Galea gave a talk on ‘Sacred music in Malta: past, present and future’.
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Pule' Carmel
Oct 31st 2010, 20:23
I have no doubt that when simple musical notes are put together in the correct sequences in the composer's mind; they produce the most useful harmonious effects, provided that in association there are well tuned tangible instruments to play this music with. Our students would gain creative ability if other subjects as Mathematical processes and sequences, Science, Physics, technology, are projected in the same manner as Music, where their relevant fundamental notes are sequenced to produce diversity in a bigger orchestra for our nation. I consider all subjects are like music, composed from a few simple notes, but I cannot understand why our schools do not project and play other subjects in their harmonious sequences as they project the musical creations.