Transfers of the traditional instrument play training methodology’s good practices Erasmus Project

Project Title

Transfers of the traditional instrument play training methodology’s good practices

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for adult education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Creativity and culture; New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses

Project Summary

In many European countries, the academic approach of musical education including the choice of instruments, playing techniques and repertoire is dominant. For this reason many individuals cannot pursue their interest to learn instrument or they discontinue their studies due to disinclination to continue their career as professional musicians. Lifelong learning with non-formal learning methods based on playing techniques and repertoire of traditional music could be a possible solution.

The aim of this project was to compile the knowledge of the partner organizations, to improve accessibility of traditional instrument play as an education subject. During the project, 8 unique high-quality training methodologies of traditional instrument play (in total 15 adapted versions in the national languages and English) were created. These include traditional violin, mandolin, dulcimer, as well as several types of region specific diatonic accordions and multi-string instruments. The methodologies have been published as free e-books; they include explanations, schemes and video examples, thus making the material available to individuals without prior musical knowledge.

The project was realized by three organizations with considerable experience in this field – society “Skaņumāja” (Latvia), which has organized traditional music non-formal education courses for adults for many years, NGO “Virbel” (Estonia), which has developed a Folk Music School, and Utenos etnines kulturos centras (Lithuania), whose specialists regularly run traditional instrument play classes for youngsters and adults.

The work was done as following: 1) initially a matrix was prepared; the methodologies of instrument play were created using the principles included in this matrix; 2) the experts from partner countries developed instrument play training methodologies, which later were improved and supplemented by their colleagues and tested in practice. Each methodology was developed by one expert; then experts from the other partner countries adapted them accordingly to region specific needs (an exception were the unique instruments – in these cases methodology were coordinated with the partner experience, but the descriptions were created by each expert separately); 3) the prepared methodology descriptions have been published in a free downloadable and printable e-book format in national languages and English; 4) information about the new methodologies and possibilities to apply them have been disseminated to the potential users in special events; also an online information campaign was launched.

As the outcome of the project the main aims have been reached: following the unitary sample, there were 8 original methodologies of instrument play created in national languages and English and 7 books adapted to national languages. The prepared materials have been published as e-books, and publicity activities have been carried out (these will continue also after the end of the project).
Additionally the experts – authors and co-authors – involved in the project have exchanged their knowledge and improved their professional competence. The capacity of engaged organizations has grown, and these organizations have become more known and are trusted in creation of new projects or realization of educational work.
During the publicity activities, a large audience has been targeted, and we have received a feedback that the published materials are used in learning process by unrelated parties.

The e-books are a long-term resource, and their availability will significantly improve the opportunities to apply non-academic methodologies of music education in lifelong learning, interest and professional education as well as in self-studies for music enthusiasts.
The basic matrix developed during the project can be used to create other new methodologies.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 88548 Eur

Project Coordinator

Skanumaja (House of Sounds) & Country: LV

Project Partners

• Utenos etnines kulturos centras
• Virbel NGO