Trinity Laban Summer Academy in Kohima
The Trinity Laban Summer Academy, a specialist course for music teachers is currently in progress in Kohima at Music Academy Kohima from June 20 to June 25. The six days intensive course is taught by Tim Palmer from Trinity Laban Conservative of Music and Dance, Faculty of Music, London.
The course which focuses on contemporary technique of teaching music provides specialist training and study of latest teaching practices. It is also a first of its kind in Nagaland. The Summer Course has been conducted earlier in Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and the latest in Nagaland. “It is part of the worldwide re-examination of what music education should be like,” states Palmer while talking about the contemporary theory and techniques in music education. Palmer emphasizes on the need for music teachers to learn a lot about different genres of music, to break down barriers of different genres of music while teaching their students. Akhrou, who teaches Piano and choral mentions that the training enables the trainees to develop innovative ideas to teach with clarity and interpret to students.
Most young people love being around music, asserts Palmer and the current way of teaching music may not be suitable for youngsters. Palmer also stresses on the importance of celebrating musical culture. With the lack of access to additional and upgraded information, the training aims to enhance better skills in teaching music.
Kyhochano Ngully from the Music Academy, Kohima states that the course explores the intrinsic and extrinsic value to enrich the trainees where the trainees are not just taught theory but rhythm, expressing music in non-verbal ways, dance, games and self expression. The training will go a long way in developing the quality of teaching in Nagaland and the growth of the musical community.
Ameü Usou, renowned Naga musician also mentions that the course engages the teacher to reflect on music teaching to students, means and ways to help students and improve their lessons. It is important for teachers to come back with new ways to improve, says Usou.
Palmer holds a Senior Lectureship in Music Education at Trinity Laban where he leads teaching and research into the role of the musician in education settings, and into creative teaching in music in Higher Education. Teaching contemporary techniques of teaching music, Palmer’s work cuts across traditional barriers of classroom teaching, instrumental/vocal teaching and workshop leading. Besides being an animatuer and music education consultant, Palmer holds a performing career as an orchestral percussionist/timpanist and a guest principal of the BBCSO, RSNO and the London Sinfonietta.
Source, Morung Express
