Musical Futures Wales

Comment by Anna Gower on October 31, 2011 at 8:22

http://www.musicalfutures.org.uk/resource/27650 The first NUMU Young Champion training held in Wales! Video and pics here, more to follow.

Comment by Anna Gower on November 3, 2011 at 11:43

I'm coming to Wales on Friday, thanks to the schools that are letting me see MF happening and chat about things. Can't wait!

Comment by Anna Gower on November 20, 2011 at 7:57

One of the challenges to teachers looking to try MF approaches can be space. In many schools, there is only one room and if there are any practice spaces they are often taken up with instrumental teachers. Whilst some departments have been fortunate in securing funding to invest in jam hubs or their own equivalent set up, this isn't a reality for everyone.

At St Cyres School in Cardiff, one of our MFUK Wales pilot schools, they are just finishing the informal learning approach with their year 9s having delivered the entire unit in only one (small) classroom. Visiting the school today, it became apparent that despite the noise of 7 groups playing at the same time, there were actually some clear benefits to this!

The teacher can instantly gage the level of support needed by simply standing in the middle of the room and observing. If students drift off task, or need support it is instant and effective.

Performances at the end of the lesson become much easier as the groups are in situ with equipment set up and ready. This way there can be a focus on a specific part of the song such as all groups perform the chorus with a discussion about the function of a chorus in a song, or they can all perform their introduction and share ideas about how the piece could begin, perhaps by layering the texture or featuring a single instrument making the final performance a learning tool for the next lesson.

There is an emphasis on students coming back at lunchtimes to practice in a quiet environment. Teachers at St Cyres have noticed a new buzz around the department as students return to continue their learning or come early to set up the equipment in the room.

Comment by Anna Gower on February 3, 2012 at 23:33

English and welsh language versions of our MFUK Wales newsletter is now available to download here

Comment by Anita Holford on September 14, 2012 at 4:35

Great to see MF in Wales ... which schools are using the approach that you know of / have been on training?

Comment by Anna Gower on September 14, 2012 at 4:40

Details here: http://www.musicalfutures.org.uk/wales it's going very well there!

Comment by Anita Holford on September 14, 2012 at 4:49

Thanks very much Anna!

Comment by Musical Futures on May 1, 2013 at 21:59

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know we have a few courses coming up in Wales this term. Details can be found in the events area, and you can book your free place via the training page on our website: www.musicalfutures.org/training.

Hope to see you soon!

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