A rapid transition to remote instruction proved challenging for music faculty and students around the country. Ensemble performance opportunities core to music curricula were suddenly thrown into question. How could students remain engaged during these challenging times? Could unprecedented circumstances facilitate opportunities for innovation?
For Department of Music Chair, Travis Cross, these were critical questions that required creative solutions. In order to gather diverse perspectives and plan for a potentially remote fall quarter, Cross led a two-day virtual symposium with School of Music faculty and outside experts during the summer. The event not only created a space for the exchange of ideas, but it also provided an important opportunity for social connection during a time of physical distance.
“It was interesting and validating to confirm that we were not alone and that we are all navigating the same journey,” said Cross.
Following the virtual gathering, faculty and department chairs collaborated to devise an unconventional, cross-departmental alternative: a unique series of special topics courses. “Rather than merge enrichment into other existing courses, we thought it best to offer courses on relevant topics in the space traditionally allotted for ensemble work,” said Cross.
These courses were provided as inventive alternatives to students traditionally navigating the curriculum requirements for large conducted ensembles including wind, brass, percussion and strings performance. This cross-disciplinary approach highlighted opportunities unique to The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, while it simultaneously allowed students to expand their horizons musically and academically.
The experimental offerings proved wildly successful during the fall, and have continued into the current winter quarter. A new set of special topics invites students to consider relevant themes such as social justice, entrepreneurship and world music. Sample course topics available to music students this quarter include:
● Social Justice Issues in Classical Music
● The Entrepreneurial Musician on Social Media
● Improvisation for Classical Musicians
● Discovery of World Music: Learning Music from UCLA Ethnomusicology Faculty and Ensemble Directors
While students eagerly await a return to in person instruction and ensemble work, these special topics courses exemplify creative thinking in the face of unforeseen challenges.
“I am incredibly proud of our faculty who have worked so hard to develop innovative options for our students,” said Eileen Strempel, the school’s Inaugural Dean. “Although we all look forward to our eventual return to in person ensemble work, these courses allow our students to explore new areas of interest and expand their horizons.”
A new series of course topics will be made available to students during the upcoming spring quarter.
January 27, 2021 at 06:12AM
https://ift.tt/2MpFn2j
Creating Innovative Alternatives to Ensemble Instruction - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music - UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
https://ift.tt/3eCf9lu
Herb
No comments:
Post a Comment