The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to new approaches in music engagement with particular reference to the philosophy and practice of the Music Engagement Program at the ANU School of Music, and encompassing discussion, observation and practice, where practicable, of other innovative methods, such as Lucy Green’s Informal Learning. Within the MEP model, music making, principally via singing is approached from a social perspective as a means of increasing engagement and promoting well being for self and others. Students will engage with the practice of the MEP as a model of innovative practice, as well as evaluate and research other contemporary innovative practice at an international level.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

1. Discuss and evaluate basic principles of the Music Engagement Program (MEP).
2. Apply, adapt and evaluate practical aspects of the MEP in authentic in-the-field situations.
3. Research and present practical and theoretical information on alternative forms of music engagement as discussed in the course, or discovered independently.
4. Develop and reflect on personal teaching philosophy through interaction with new and emerging ideas encountered in the course.

1. In-class participation (10%): students are expected to contribute to workshops in an active way that demonstrates both involvement and developing understanding of the concepts presented. (LO 1)
2. Journal/portfolio (50%): students will keep a journal throughout their participation in the course detailing their ideas and thoughts on workshop content (LO 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). The minimum content of the journal will be:
• 2 short commentaries (500-1000 words) on subjects raised in workshop as presented by lecturer (LO 4).
• Written critique/description of 2 observed field lessons, detailing relationship with concepts introduced in lectures (LO 1, 2).
• Notes to accompany a presentation lesson utilising aspects of MEP or other innovative model (depending on availability this lesson will be presented to course participants or to a class at a participating school), including pre-presentation notes, full lesson plan and post-lesson evaluation (LO 2, 3).
3. 1 written paper presentation on an aspect of class content or related topic researched by the student (1500 words) (LO 3, 4) (40%).

Assessment is based on workshop-tutorials and on off campus observation of practical sessions, and so attendance at these is therefore necessary

This course is designed to require the equivalent of 10 hours per week of student time, including 39 contact hours made up of 26 hours of lectures and 13 hours of observations and tutorials, or equivalent.

Nil

None

Green, L. (2008) Music, Informal Learning and the School: A New Classroom Pedagogy. London and New York: Ashgate Press.