Musica Viva Internationally Recognised for groundbreaking R & D
Musica Viva is thrilled to have its interactive whiteboard music education resources reported by The Guardian in the UK as one of the ten most exciting R&D digital projects in arts and culture, in the world. The Guardian, with the help of the British Council’s Creative Economy team, scanned the globe for projects that use digital technologies in new and inspiring ways, and listed 10 of their favourite.
Australia’s oldest independent professional performing arts organisation, Musica Viva, was included in this select group on the basis of its state-of-the-art Interactive Whiteboard and digital learning resources that have contributed to making school music education more engaging, with lasting impact. The Interactive Whiteboard developed by Musica Viva with the generous support of Rio Tinto, launched in 2011 and has enhanced the learning and teaching of music in schools across Australia.
“This has taken us years to develop,” says Musica Viva Chief Executive Officer, Mary Jo Capps, “with many late nights and false starts. But to see children respond so well to the Interactive Whiteboard resources now makes the whole slog worthwhile.”
Mrs Capps continues, “We are very fortunate to have had people who believed in this project, starting with the Federal Government Education Department, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and, most notably, Rio Tinto who have seen us through the whole process. We are extremely grateful for this visionary support.” Trisha Comerford, Manager Community Investment, Rio Tinto Iron Ore, is also delighted with the recognition the Interactive Whiteboard has received from The Guardian and says, “Musica Viva and Rio Tinto have shown that not-for-profits and industry together are leading the world in creative ideas.”
For more information about Musica Viva’s digital resources and to watch a video on the Interactive Whiteboard being used in the classroom, visit www.musicaviva.com.au/education/resources/standard
Comprising singing exercises to understand the connection between lyrics and notation, as well as drag-and-drop combinations of sounds and instruments to help students and teachers learn about the elements of music and develop skills in listening, singing, playing, moving, and composition, the Interactive Whiteboard is an innovative resource that has been developed in response to the changing needs of teachers and students in the 21st century.
To read the full article in The Guardian, visit www.theguardian.com/culture-professionals-network/culture-professionals-blog/2014/jun/20/global-research-development-projects-arts-culture
Musica Viva In Schools is a not-for-profit organisation that has been championing music in the classroom since 1981. We offer teacher professional development courses and curriculum-linked digital resources which equip teachers with all the tools to explore the rich and diverse world of music. Our diverse range of professional musicians tour to schools all over Australia, inspiring teachers and students through live music performance.
We believe all children deserve a quality music education, and these resources in the digital era will help us achieve that.