Message on behalf of a PhD candidate at the University of Western Sydney,
Eleanor McPhee writes:
I am researching the ways in which young instrumental teachers can improve
their teaching practice through informal and collaborative means. I am
looking to recruit young (18-30 years old) instrumental teachers who are
currently teaching a small number of students (between 1 and 10 students)
one-on-one and would be interested in discussing their teaching issues
with other instrumental teachers via a web forum.

Please contact Eleanor McPhee directly
email <sharedconcerns@iinet.net.au>

www.victorianopera.com.au

There are still places available for our Victorian Opera Teacher Training Program for 2011. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with professional creative and performing artists who work regularly with our company. After an over-subscribed course in 2010 Anna Connolly returns to lead courses in vocal pedagogy, and Jan Goodall will work with primary choral directors in a newly created course for 2011.

Please also take note of our new Masterclass Series running each term. Specialists include Merlyn Quaife (appearing in our production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute) and Jan Gooda

http://www.aco.com.au/downloads/ACO-112Tour2_Web.pdf

The program notes from ACO’s 2011 concert season contain program notes on interesting 20th century works (by Alex Ross).

ministers.deewr.gov.au/garrett/arts-curriculum-can-boost-student-school-experience

22nd March 2011 – Peter Garrett Media Release

ArtsMmad page – after signing in (free) you will have free access to bundles of free Music posters, song sheets and MP3 recordings

https://sites.google.com/site/asmensw/announcements

NSW division of ASME presents a one day conference for classroom and studio Music teachers on 14th May, 2011 in Hornsby.

www.austa.asn.au

This website is a hub of information for Australian performers, teachers, instrument makers, students and enthusiasts of bowed string instruments (violins, violas, cellos and double basses).

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/focus-on-national-tests-robs-children-of-true-learning-20110208-1alk7.html

Nominations for the 2011 Awards for Excellence in School Music Education are due to close on Friday, 1st April, 2011. The awards aim to recognise music teachers and school leaders for their exceptional contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music education in their schools.

There will be up to eleven teacher Awards and up to two school leader Awards. Each recipient of an Award will receive a certificate and a cheque for $5,000, which is intended to be used to further their professional learning related to music education.

All details about the 2011 Awards, including Guidelines, and nomination forms are available on the website at:

http://musicawards.asme.edu.au/

A lesson idea for Friday afternoon with 14 year olds … Beatbox!

Without using vocal chords, students practise making the following sounds:

ch, ss, sh, k & p.

Each student combines these sounds to make drumkit sound effects.

Watch some beat-boxing clips on YouTube.com

Record (audio or video) each student’s beat-boxing efforts – in pairs or individually. Choose some of the students to beat-box into a microphone (attached to an amplifier).

http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a0074209/education-secretary-pledges-825m-for-music-education

UK Education secretary pledges 82.5 million pounds for Music Education (Feb 2011)

Collarts PD Program for 2011

The Australian College of the Arts | Ausmusic College is pleased to announce its 2011 PD program commencing from Tuesday April 5th. Each of the PD Days are focused on providing hands-on opportunities for music teachers, especially teachers of VCE and VET.

Term 1

Tuesday April 5th 2011 Check 1, 2 – Live Sound
Term 2
Friday June 10th - Recording techniques
Friday Jun 17th - Songwriting and stagecraft

Term 3
Friday August 5th - Post production
Friday August 12th - Using technology in performance

Term 4
Friday December 9th - Education Partners 2012 Preview – see what’s new from Collarts in 2012

Check 1, 2 – Live Sound Workshop kicks off the 2011 PD program

Join our Collarts education team and two industry experts – production manager and front-of-house audio engineer Glenn Helmot (John Farnham, James Morrison, Deborah Conway etc) along with leading session guitarist Simon Patterson (Hey, Hey Band, Lou Rawls, Kate Ceberano, Bonnie Raitt, James Morrison etc) to get the knowledge, tricks and tips on how to create and produce a great performance. With a combined 50 years of industry experience Glenn and Simon can show you how to get the best out of your production gear – whether in front of, or behind the microphone.

Teachers will leave with:

• Knowledge, tips and tricks on how to maximise your schools music production equipment to create a a great sound

• Tools and activities to develop your performance and production students skills and get them working together

• Performance tips on getting your sound off stage and to the audience

Being part of the Collarts PD program for 2011 is simple:

To register visit http://www.collarts.edu.au/education-partners/professional-development

or email info@collarts.edu.au

or call 03 9281 8898

Bookings are essential.

Cost: $99 for teachers (no charge for Collarts Education partner schools) – lunch is included

The Collarts PD Day program takes place at Collarts, 55 Brady Street, South Melbourne commencing at 10am and finishing at 3pm.

–
Monique Boggia
Education Manager
Australian College of the Arts | Ausmusic College
55 Brady St., South Melbourne
Email mboggia@collarts.edu.au
Ph +613 9281 8898

As part of the Australian Copyright Council’s national seminar program for 2011, they are holding a Copyright for Music Teachers (Ed Inst & Private Tuition) seminar.

The seminar will be an essential overview of key copyright issues associated with music teaching, including a comparison of the different provisions that apply when teaching within educational institutions and teaching privately.

Topics include:

*      How copyright applies to music
*      Identifying the circumstances where relevant exceptions apply
*      Copyright obligations and trouble-shooting
*      Using resources from the Internet

For dates, times, venue and how to book, please visit www.copyright.org.au/seminars

free worksheet – suit middle to upper secondary Music students, working with chord creation theory

from www.musicteachingresources.com

Calls for Expression of Interest for Secondary School Music Ensembles
to Participate in a Unique Live Music Festival

Dear Music Teachers.
We wanted to pass this information on to you regarding calls for Interest for Music Groups to participate in The Royal Melbourne Hospital 2011 Secondary School Live Music Festival – 16 – 20 May. This Festival is open to all Secondary School Music Ensembles in Victoria. We have places for up to 10 ensembles a day over the five days.

All levels are welcome and all ensemble combinations. Places will be allocated on a first come basis. The festival also offers workshops in Music and Health and Music Therapy and there is an award with prizes. We look forward to hearing from you. The EOI process will close end of March 2011 or when we have reached our quota.  There is no registration fee.

Background on the Festival
In 2010 we launched our inaugural secondary school live music festival as part of the national Music Play for Life initiative ‘Making Music Being Well. Our festival is proudly supported by our generous patron Mrs Barbara Haynes. The first of its kind, the festival brought the healing and uplifting power of music to where it’s needed the most – inside the hospital’s walls.

“To play at the Royal Melbourne Hospital gave us the opportunity to share the world of music to the patients who may not have access to this. Hopefully we lit up someone’s day and made them smile through our music,” said Penny, a Year 11 student at Wesley College.

Judy Bartosy, Director of Music at Kew High School, said the students were all very excited about participating in the festival. “They’ve never done anything like this before and I thought it was good community activity for them to do.  The hospital’s live music festival ties in well with the school’s pastoral care and well-being programs,” she said.

The Secondary School Live Music Festival is now in its second year featuring the Haynes Music in Health Awards. These awards recognise excellence, understanding and sensitivity regarding the unique role music can play in health. The awards are divided into music ensemble categories.  All entries receive a certificate and the winners in each category receive a trophy and a donation to their school music program.

Last year’s festival attracted media attention and we believe we can make this festival even bigger.

How to register your interest

To register your interest please go to the Music therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Website
http://www.rmh.mh.org.au/music-therapy/w1/i1001366/

Scroll to the Information about the festival and click on the registration button and fill in the appropriate fields.

For more details please contact the Artistic Director of the Festival – Music Therapy Manager Emma O’Brien on 9342 8304 or email emma.obrien@mh.org.au

A UK education program which trains primary school students to lead singing games in the playground – with cross-curricular results!

http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/case_studies/Ex_Cathedra_singing_playgrounds.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Middle-School-Music-Tech/191444264221376?ref=ts

An American Music teacher shares his students’ recordings and digital music creations on a FaceBook page.

Listen to & read some of the examples for lesson ideas!

Places are still available in the Arts Centre’s upcoming Finale 2011 notation training.

Where:                 The Arts Centre’s Digital Learning Hub

When:                  1 Apr 2011

Cost:                      $200

Presenter:          Amy Bennett

More info can be found at http://www.theartscentre.com.au/discover/education/event.aspx?id=2324

A 5 minute video summary of a presentation given by Michael Griffen to students re. multiple intelligences.

http://www.screencast.com/users/mgriffin63/folders/Default/media/1f7632bc-d023-4602-9686-e4aadf9be1f1

To Celebrate the Release of Online Arranging lessons at http://www.learnmusicarranging.com

The Arranging Seminar is Free

Seminars for Music Teachers and Band Directors

Graham Lloyd will be Holding Professional Development Seminars at Yarra Glen June 16th and 17th 2011

Full of practical information, each 1/2 day seminar is suitable for Music Teachers and Band Directors

book now at http://www.grahamlloydmusic.com

Seminar topics – Tune up your Arranging. Concepts for any Ensemble

Intonation for Musicians not Mathematicians

Rehearsal “Nuts and Bolts” – using your precious rehearsal time effectively

Tune up your Conducting. Become even better at leading your ensemble

Great discounts for full day bookings, Even better discounts if you book both days

Full details and bookings at http://www.grahamlloydmusic.com

free worksheet – Sarah Lantz has made a cute, free worksheet which uses clover leaves to help kids practise the notes in a major chord

Lesson idea – help students to fill in the clover leaves (with chord notes) then play them on keyboard, glocks, guitar …

Dr Watson’s podcasts – a MASSIVE and free resource from an American lecturer in music, which has dozens of podcasts, many of which have free lesson guides and activity sheets attached. Topics include “what music means to me”, “repetition in music”, “bad boys in classical music”, “modality” …

Learn about the history of Contemporary A Cappella and how it has changed and flourished from the days of barbershop right through to the new face of contemporary a cappella that can be heard on shows like GLEE and The Sing Off. Discover how to incorporate the basics of vocal percussion into your repertoire while still focusing on vowels, harmony and blending voices. Be prepared to get vocal and mix things up while learning how to develop strategies to encourage your students’ creative side with this interactive session.

Great fun for Middle School aged students with glockenspiels (or keyboards) … view it here:

http://www.pruborgert.net/journal/2011/3/24/glockenspiel-and-youtube-battle-lesson-idea.html

free lesson plan on Guitar chord families http://www.lessontutor.com/ees_guitar1.html

Attention Music Teachers and Pianists!

There are still some places left to play in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Hands On Harpsichord and Fortepiano day on Saturday 19 March – pianists and piano students of all ages are very welcome to attend.

WHEN: Saturday 19 March, 10:00am – 3:00pm
WHERE: Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Gate 12, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville
COST: Free
CONTACT: Anastasia Russell-Head – rua@unimelb.edu.au or 8344 3673

helpful article – Music teaching ideas for when you are ill or weak-of-voice

IN GOOD VOICE
A Demonstration of effective and healthy voice use in the classroom
presented by Samantha Uren

Saturday 26 March 2011
2.00pm – 4.00pm
Statewide Resources Centre 150 Palmerston Street, Carlton

FREE FOR AMUSE MEMBERS.

PLACES ARE LIMITED.

Email info@amuse.vic.edu.au or phone 9349 1048 to reserve a space.

The ‘International Music Prize for Excellence in Composition 2011’ is a worldwide composition competition. The competition is administered by the National Academy of Music, a public educational charity of the State of Colorado, and organized by the Secretariat of the International Music Prizes™ in Greece.

Entries are due October 1st, 2011.

more information click here

The goal of this competition is to stimulate composers of all ages and nationalities to write new, high-quality music for educational purposes and motivate highly talented composers to persist in building a career in composition by rewarding them with recognition and honor. Winners’ names will be available online after December 10, 2011.

click here for more information

International Music Prize for Performance, 2011. Applications are accepted from soloists and ensembles.

blog link – a frequently updated blog of ideas on how to use iPad (and other technology) in Music Education

Cavallo Capers – a newly released  CD BUONGIORNO SIGNORA, containing 13 original songs, a song book, lyric charts and an activity book for beginner Italian language (LOTE).

Jam2Jam – inexpensive software for online, collaborative composition (without the need for instrumental skills)

Do you have some excellent Instrumentalists in your State School that would like to be involved in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular this year?

There is an exciting opportunity for some of these students who would like to do more playing outside of school.

Auditions are now open for students who would like to be a part of the Orchestra for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular in 2011. This group will rehearse on occasional Sundays throughout Terms 2 and 3, according to a schedule that will be distributed before the audition. Rehearsals are at the DEECD Performing Arts Unit (102 Rupert St, Collingwood).

Orchestra auditions are being held on Sunday 13 March at the Performing Arts Unit and can be booked by phoning 9415 1700 or email: jtc@edumail.vic.gov.au. Other times are available outside of this date by appointment.

Students will need to present 2 contrasting pieces that they have prepared. There may be some sightreading in the audition. Students should be at Grade 5 AMEB standard or higher. An accompanist will be provided and students will need to come with clear sheet music for the accompanist in the correct key.

Please pass on this information to any students you feel may be interested and suitable.

Venue: Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston.

Now in its 7th year, KMEIA’s Autumn Seminar has established a reputation for providing outstanding professional development for music educators. The seminar is designed to enrich your music program by providing access to excellent practitioners and innovative resources adapted for Australian classrooms. The seminar supplements our Teacher Training Courses, which offer systematic training in pedagogy. The Autumn Seminar is a unique professional development opportunity for music educators with a selection of inspiring and practical sessions geared towards developing your skills and confidence. Key presenters are Daniel Crump & Gail Godfrey (Queensland), Susan Searle, Robert Stewart & Julia Trifonov (Melbourne).

For more details contact the Kodály Victoria office on 9535 7035 or check the website at: www.kodaly.org.au or reply to this email or by using this form tinyurl.com/29thefl

Listen to the  ABC podcast (listen here) of ‘Golden Fur’ – a Melbourne Trio playing “Parallel Collisions” at a live concert.

As the music is playing, ask students for suggestions re. what instruments are being played … and in what manner! There are many really unusual techniques employed in this piece.

Students with access to the internet can then create a Word or OneNote page with information on the trio ‘Golden Fur’ (use Google and www.goldenfur.com.au) and the way in which they play traditional instruments in a contemporary way.

Finally, create a group composition or soundscape which uses unusual techniques of playing classroom instruments. HAVE FUN!!

PS Feel free to record the class creation and email it to schools.mpfl@mca.org.au

free lesson content (facts PLUS free assignment worksheet) on interpreting clefs and notation http://www.lessontutor.com/eesMusic1.html

http://ht.ly/4gile

“The Inspired Classroom” website offers concrete lesson ideas on teaching ESL and LOTE students in the Music classroom.

March 2011 Newsletter from Music. Play for Life:

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c1f6cd5eedcfc179f2fbf0c0a&id=48151e0899&e=5c175b5519

Resound, Count Yourself In (Sept 1st, 2011), Community Music Leaders Awards, Music Network for community musicians, Music and health, Musicians with disability, Stickers & posters

conference details

9 – 13 July, 2011

Maryborough, Qld

WWW.MELBOURNERECITAL.COM.AU

The Melbourne Recital Centre offers many concerts & events (some free) to suit Secondary School Music students.

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE
Cnr Southbank Blvd & Sturt Street, Southbank
Box Office: 03 9699 3333

MaryRose Harrison
Education Co-ordinator
T:    +61 (0)3 9207 2631
M:    0413 863 552
E:    maryrose.harrison@melbournerecital.com.au

free online mixing game – BBC has created on online interactive mixing webpage … choose a nationality (African, Cuban, Celtic, New Orleans, Oriental, Spanish, UK) … use sliders to bring different tracks and sound effects into your mix. A perfect activity for mixed ability classes where some students have no instrumental skills.

Lesson Idea: let students discover the BBC Music Mixing webpage … then discuss the similarities and differences between the different cultures of music represented on the webpage … ask each student to create a Venn diagram which compares two of the musical cultures from the website

free resource site – Music Australia website presents free information, old-style sheet music, and recordings on archived Australian topics such as “Beach and Bush” & “Waltzing Matilda”.

free podcasts – Musica Viva held a discussion forum in February 2011 on the topic of Arts Education in Australia. They recorded the sessions and have made them available online as a 4-part podcast. Click on the arrow on the far right of each clip to download it (for later listening) OR listen online to each podcast.

Visual arts are often left behind, to the detriment of education, says Ainslie MacGibbon.

Australia seems to be ignoring a global move towards understanding the significance of art in education, the president of Art Education Australia, Marian Strong, says.

read more …

In B flat – a collection of short audio/visual clips which can be played in sequence or simultaneously.

Lesson idea – explore the possibilities within this webpage THEN create your own 3-part composition in B flat.

#OperaPlot – 11-15 April 2011, Twitter members from around the world will be creating a new opera – one phrase at a time

This could make an interesting lesson idea – students write a sentence each … maybe even borrow the melody from another choral work …

The first session of Musica Viva’s “Sound Safari” (Professional Development for teachers) takes place in Carlton VIC on April 1st 2011. The same session will be held around Australia in 2011.

For more information on the program, please visit the website at http://www.musicaviva.com.au/education/mvis/professionallearning/soundsafari.

Inspiring Performance Skills workshops for Secondary Students
with Living Music Now

Taking advantage of industry experienced musicians with a professional performance background is now becoming increasingly more important with the renewed focus on performance at VCE level.  After refining her approach for the tertiary sector Melanie Atma, performer, musician and composer is now in her second year of delivering her unique and inspiring performance workshops specifically for secondary age students.

LMN workshops provide students with confidence building tools that combat nerves, teach the power of mental preparation and the skill of asking for and offering feedback.

· Complimenting the work of instrumental music teachers
· Students perform their own work in an open and supportive environment
· Great for group or solo contexts developing students prior to recitals and performance exams
· Greater on-going enjoyment for both performers and their audience.
· 90- minute workshops presented at your school

Through the use of (More than just a master class) innovative techniques and tools LMN workshops shift the focus away from competition and comparison, encouraging students to reflect upon their own personal goals, acknowledging their own unique gifts & strengths.

For more details visit: www.livingmusicnow.com.au <http://www.livingmusicnow.com.au>
Or contact melanie@livingmusicnow.com.au

Attention Victorian Songwriters! Want to hone your songwriting skills with some of the music industry’s best?

Jeff Lang, Abby Dobson, Jen Cloher and Mark Seymour step off the stage and out of the studio, to joinCharles Jenkins’ innovative and inspiring songwriter’s program, Push Songs, in May and June to help upcoming and emerging Victorian songwriters.

The free all ages program was established by Jenkins (Shopfront Songs) in 2009 in partnership with The Push and APRA, and with the generous support of the State Government’s Arts Victoria funding program, and more recently the Australian Government’s Australia Council.

Twelve applicants will be chosen to take part in three, one on one, 1.5 hour songwriting workshops betweenMay 3 and June 8 at The Push offices in Brunswick. They will develop song ideas and sketches with Jenkins as well as two of this round’s special guest songwriters Lang, Dobson, Cloher and Seymour.

Participants from all corners of the state of Victoria of any age are encouraged to apply for Push Songs. Push Songs APPLICATIONS CLOSE Wednesday 20 April. The online application is very easy and participants will be chosen on suitability, as well as what they will get out of the program. Fill out an application online via thepush.com.au (follow the links to Push Songs).

free article – an article full of quotes from female music legends

An American Music Education advocacy video clip on YouTube.

advocacy video

A lesson idea for “National Sorry Day” … or any day.

Watch the Colli Crew’s song about reconciliation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsWo9CxqsN8&feature=related

In small groups, brainstorm phrases that rhyme with “reconciliation” and “it’s up to us”

Watch the Colli Crew’s 2010 ARIA Award winning song “Change the Game” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0rJajbIs-o

Create a class rap, make an audio recording, and place it on the school’s website.

Email a link (or a copy of the song) to schools.mpfl@mca.org.au

Listen to Indigenous Australian music from “Black Arm Band”, “Saltwater Band”, “Gurrumul Yunupingu” and “Archie Roach” on YouTube, iTunes, CD or GrooveShark.

Recording Studio Intensive PD For Music Teachers Only

COURSE CODE: MA1
DURATION: 1 Friday 9am to 3.30pm (1 hour for lunch)
COST: $220 inc GST
LOCATION: Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St Yarraville
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: June 10

Learn how to carry out a multi track recording including choosing the right microphones and setting up mixes for performers. This intensive is specifically designed to meet the needs of VET music and technical production teachers.

Live Sound Intensive PD For School Teachers only

COURSE CODE: MA2
DURATION: 1 Friday 9am to 3.30pm (1 hour for lunch)
COST: $220 inc GST
LOCATION: Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St Yarraville
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: June 17

Want to learn more about PA systems? Develop confidence and get tips and techniques required for that great sound. You will also gain inside knowledge of the equipment and how best to use it. This intensive is specifically designed to meet the needs of VET music and technical production teachers.

Audio Production and MIDI Sequencing in Logic Pro 9

COURSE CODE: MA3
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: 27 April, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 1 June

This short course will be an introduction to audio recording/editing and MIDI sequencing in Apple’s industry standard Digital Audio Workstation.

The outcomes will be:

• basic operation of audio hardware in a recording studio
• basic knowledge of audio principles
• basic operation of a Digital Audio Workstation

Audio Production and Recording in Pro Tools

COURSE CODE: MA4
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus and Kindred Studios
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 5, 12, 19, 26 May & 2, 9 June (Thursdays)
• 7, 14, 21, 28 June, 5, 12 July (Tuesdays)

Pro Tools is one of the most commonly used audio production software solutions in the world.

This short course is ideally suited to those wishing to record music & audio, such as, aspiring musicians in bands, teachers wishing to record recitals, or people working in multi-media who wish to improve the audio quality of their productions.

In our 22 computer lab, you will have exclusive access to your own system under the expert guidance of our experienced Pro Tools user.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants should have gained the knowledge and skills required to conduct the recording process from the early stages of plugging in microphones and instruments right through to a full mixdown ready for CD.

For more course details contact Short Course Coordinator Creative Industries, Victoria University on  9919 1932 or ci_shortcourses@vu.edu.au

http://www.lessontutor.com/eesmusic3.html

Free lesson content = facts on time signatures & grouping of beats in a bar

free online magazine for School Band and Orchestra teachers – an American publication – free online

Includes advocacy material, interviews with successful teachers, product reviews (and lots of advertising)

“Singing, playing, moving: Ideas for primary school music”.

Free Music and Movement Education workshop - 4.00 -5.30 p.m., Thursday 7th April, 2011 presented by Heather McLaughlin and Susie Davies-Splitter.

For all general classroom teachers, music teachers, and arts specialists.

At Stella Maris Primary School, 54 -70 Innisfail Drive, West, Point Cook

Registration 3.45 p.m.

To register and for further information, contact Tess Righetti, trighetti@smpointcookwest.catholic.edu.au

This is an important email to give you the opportunity to nominate a student or students in year 9 or above to take one of 12 places at the Music Count Us In 2011 songwriting workshop. Their response to the brief (as a one minute MP3) must be submitted to us by next Monday 21st March. I know the time is short, but we have to move quickly so the song can be arranged, recorded, produced, pressed and released by early May. Please help spread the word.

There is no cost to the school or student in participation in the songwriting workshop. But each must be free to take a day or two off school (depending how far away from Sydney they are) around the 11 April and be free to travel to Sydney with a parent or carer. All flight costs, meals, on-ground transfers and accommodation are covered by Music: Count Us In. We are still negotiating to secure this year’s mentors, so I can’t give you names yet. But – they are GREAT and I’m sure your students would jump at the chance to work with them.

Last year, nine lucky secondary school students from around Australia – including from Albany and Perth, WA;Darwin, NT; and Coffs Harbour in regional NSW - were flown to Sydney with a parent/carer to work with songwriting mentors Melinda Schneider, Audius and Paul Greene, and producer, John Foreman, to help write the program song. Without exception, each student found it an inspirational experience and a wonderful ‘immersion’ exercise in music generally and songwriting in particular. Lasting friendships were made, career aspirations consolidated and musical – and social skills – built. You can see a videoclip of last year’s songwriting process at the media page here.

All the details about applying for a place are here, including the song brief and submission process.

Tina Broad, Campaign Director, ‘Music. Play for Life’
Tel: 02 44 54 3887  Fax: 02 44 54 3882  Mob: 0439 022 257
www.musicplayforlife.org
The people’s movement for more music: in schools, communities, everywhere

Sounds Great – The Statewide Music Education Conference
Thursday 14 July – Sunday 17 July
Melbourne High School

www.soundsgreat.org.au

About Sounds Great 2011
Sounds Great is the Victorian statewide music education conference. Sounds Great is an extensive professional learning event that consists of inspiring keynote addresses, exemplary student performances, practical and theoretical breakout sessions, a trade exhibition and social activities. Sounds Great explores pedagogy, curriculum approaches, rehearsal and conducting techniques, repertoire, jazz and improvisation, music advocacy and technology. The expertise of the local and international presenters is rich and varied. The depth and breadth of professional learning opportunities at Sounds Great is extraordinary. Sounds Great is a meeting place for all music educators from Government, Catholic and Independent schools, a bringing together of instrumental and classroom music teachers from prep to VCE – for all methods and all philosophies of music education.

Michael Griffin presents a 5 minute video summary of a presentation designed for school students (and staff), re. listening to music while studying – including styles of music that are helpful to study/learning & when music can hinder.

http://www.screencast.com/users/mgriffin63/folders/Default/media/60bb3a14-6258-4ad0-9200-84314ff34f59

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J563P57

Your valuable contribution in this survey will provide important information and the provision of multicultural music education in Victorian schools. We hope to use this research to advise schools and authorities about what schools and teachers need and want. We ask you to kindly spend a few minutes of your valuable time to participate in this investigation regarding Artists-in-residence and multicultural Victorian school music. A research study, The evaluation of authentic practice in Victorian school music programs that include visiting multicultural artists, (Monash University
Ethical approval number: CF10/1125 – 2010000595) is being conducted by
Doctoral student Rohan Nethsinghe and his supervisor Dr Jane Southcott. The
interesting online questionnaire approximately 10 – 15 minutes. All
responses are very welcome and are anonymous. It is accessed by direct link
at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J563P57

Thank you for your time and attention.
Dr Jane Southcott and Rohan Nethsinghe
Faculty of Education
Monash University, Clayton

http://www.sydneysymphony.com/education/professional_learning_program/2011_pd_courses/

On Friday 1 April 2011, ABODA Victoria will welcome Peter Bandy as he presents a three-hour seminar and conducting event focused on teaching from the orchestral podium. Full registration and event details are now available via the ABODA Victoria website.

article – Skype is trying out new software to let educators use free video software in the classroom

Archie Roach’s song “Took the Children Away” has been adopted by Canadian indigenous people, as the lyric content (Australia’s Stolen Generation) has parallels in Canadian Indian history.

Lesson plan idea: Read and discuss Archie Roach’s lyrics … watch the YouTube clip which puts Australian historical and indigenous images to “Took the Children Away” … watch the YouTube clip which puts Canadian historical images to the same song … discuss any other countries which could borrow Roach’s song to apply to their own national history.

YouTube (Australian images & the emotional trailer from the movie “Rabbit Proof Fence”)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLXzKYP1uCw

YouTube (Canadian images)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpNSrqsU1eI

Katie Wardrobe tutorial – how to make worksheets (easily) with Sibelius

There’s a new way to let students view YouTube clips online … www.viewpure.com. The teacher copies the URL address from a YouTube clip, pastes it onto the viewpure.com website, clicks “create”, and it creates a new webpage (which students can view) with the YouTube clip on its own (without ads or comments). Copy and paste the newly create URL address and give it to your students.

Here’s an example I entered into ViewPure of ACO playing to surfing footage …

http://viewpure.com/m0NJyVCQpIs

HINT: Don’t click on the “Download” button (bottom of ViewPure screen) – it is only advertising!

Deb Smith is running a 4 day course for VCE Music students (Melbourne) 11-14th April 2011

This 4 day course provides a comprehensive overview of the aural skills & musicianship required for VCE Music Performance. Using a range of tools such as rhythmic syllables, solfege & the voice, students will gain a thorough understanding of scales, keys, melody, rhythm, chords & chord progressions.

Booking form available from http://www.dsmusic.com.au/events.htm

Virtual Museum – a factual and informative website (with pictures) about common & obscure musical instruments from around the world

VMTA’s Piano Day is on SundayMarch 20.  Here are the details:

SUNDAY MARCH 20 – 9.45 – 3.45
Piano Day
Melbourne High School
Forrest Hill, South Yarra

Julie Haskell and Peter Hurley will present on the new Piano for Leisure
series, and Glenn Riddle will present on Certificate of Performance and
bridging the gap between 8th grade and AMusA.

Tickets: VMTA members $30 per session/$70 all day.  Non-members: $40 per
session $95 all day.  Full-time student all-day special $50.

Bookings: contact the VMTA office on 9415 1314 or email vmta@vmta.org.au.
Forms can also be downloaded from our website
www.victorianmusicteachersassociation.org.au.

VOSA will be holding the “Living Music and Dance Conference” on May 27 & 28 at the Darebin Arts Centre.  This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a world class music education conference. Our key presenter Lenka Pospisilova is a world class International presenter specialising in the Orff method. Lenka returns to Melbourne having last presented in Adelaide, Australia at the National Orff Conference ‘Creating New Blends’. The conference is geared to classroom teachers and music teachers who work with children in the primary and middle years.

The conference will:

• Reinforce the benefits of music and the arts
• Provide outstanding professional development for participants
• Provide a variety of ‘hands on’ workshops to choose from
• Ideal for class room teachers and music specialist teachers looking for teaching ideas and music repertoire for primary and middle years
• Boost your confidence and renew your enthusiasm in areas of creative expression such as singing, dancing, percussion instruments, language and play
• Provide ways of integrating creative arts concepts into many aspects of daily activities
• Provide outstanding opportunities to network with others in this special field
• Provide the opportunity to view and buy a wonderful range of resources
  

More information can be found on the VOSA website - http://vosa.org/
Ginette Aitchison <ginette_aitchison@hotmail.com>

Waltzing Matilda free historical resources – LESSON IDEA: explore the content on the Music Australia webpage (old sheet music and old jazz recordings of “Waltzing Matilda”) … listen to and discuss the differences between the old recordings (found at the bottom of the webpage) and the way “Waltzing Matilda” is performed/sung today

aMuse (VIC) is offering a series of Professional Development sessions on Music Technology and Education, including:

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and social media (March 11, 2011).

Workshop is presented by Katie Wardrobe (Midnight Music)

aMuse website

WSOC & 2MBS Young Composers Award due 1st June, 2011

http://www.2mbs.com/content_common/pg-Young-Composers.seo