Active Learning Through Music

Lucinda Geoghegan

It is generally agreed that we need a skilled workforce to provide music in every school and community so that our children can have access to the best music education possible.

The National Youth Choir of Scotland has developed a highly successful programme called Active Learning through Music which is delivered by the class teacher with training and support from the specialist.

Although this is a Scottish based programme, the ideas resonate with the National Plan for Music Education as well as those of Kodály!. The purpose of the programme is to use music as a springboard to the development of the whole child and feedback from schools indicates that the activities have a positive effect on language learning, numeracy, listening skills, self confidence, cooperation, cooperation as well as obviously the musical skills gained.

The programme covers the equivalent of Early Years Foundation Stage, KS1 and part of KS2.

Lucinda Geoghegan, who devised the programme will lead the session, relating her experiences in a variety of schools including special needs.

Supported by National Youth Choir of Scotland