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FLaT

Dumfries and Galloway : Instrumental Music Lessons through Video Conferencing

What is this?

This project aims to explore an innovative approach to instrumental instruction through the delivery of instrumental lessons to rurally isolated schools via the medium of video conferencing. Four Primary School sites (Drummore, Glenluce, Port William and Whithorn) and a central site location in Dumfries, Lochside Education Centre are involved in the initial pilot project.

Dumfries and Galloway Education & Community Service’s Instrumental Music Service delivers a full and varied programme of instrumental lessons to pupils across the authority from P6 to S6. This is complemented by a range of other provision funded currently through the Scottish Executive’s Youth Music Initiative scheme administered through the Scottish Arts Council.

Secondary pupils receive instrumental lessons during the school day, normally on a rota basis. Currently, their policy for delivery of instrumental lessons for primary pupils is limited to tuition at the local secondary school. Resources do not normally permit music instructors to visit individual primary schools to deliver lessons. A significant number of their primary schools are rurally isolated. In relation to instrumental music lessons, pupils in rural schools do not enjoy the same level of opportunity afforded to pupils within close proximity of a local secondary school.

FLaT Involvement?

FLaT support is being provided to explore the delivery of instrumental tuition via video conferencing, and to potentially develop a model that others can replicate.

Links with National Priorities?

  1. Achievement and Attainment
  2. Framework for Learning
  3. Inclusion and Equality
  4. Values and Citizenship
  5. Learning for Life   

Project aims?

  • To enhance the educational experience for young people through the use of video conferencing.
  • To increase participation in music, and levels of pupil motivation, achievement and attainment.
  • To develop pupils’ interpersonal and social skills through the use of a variety of media e.g. video conferencing.
  • To support, develop and challenge the skills of teachers and music instructors through the use of new resources and facilities.
  • To eliminate barriers that prevent pupils accessing musical provision.
  • To develop a suitable training programme for music instructors and classroom teachers that ensures effective delivery of lessons by video conferencing.   

Project outcomes?

  • Improved access for rurally isolated primary pupils to learn a musical instrument
  • Increased participation in instrumental music-making in Dumfries & Galloway
  • Opportunity for research information to be shared nationally
  • Potential for the development of a cost effective method of teaching delivery to rural communities
  • Skills and methodology development for staff using ICT
  • Development of other new musical opportunities e.g. masterclasses   

Timescale?

The project started in April 2005 and will conclude in March 2007.

Level of Support?

FLaT support is a grant of £83,528, plus costs of external evaluation.

Who are the evaluation team?

Not yet appointed.

Contact person:

Alan Cameron, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Lochside Education Centre Annex, Lochside Road, Dumfries, DG2 0EL. Tel: 01387 720774. E-mail: alanc@dumgal.gov.uk

This was last updated on: 06 February 2008Accessibility