Traditional musicians create new educational opportunity
21/09/2004
A group of representatives from a range of organisations across the sector have devised the first Training Qualification for music tutors in the country and it seems likely that it will attract musicians from other styles of music.
The qualification, which has been validated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, was launched to a representative audience of music and education professionals at Perth College.
The new Professional Development Award, the Certificate in Music Tuition was produced by the Traditional Music Tutor Training Network in collaboration with the SQA and is available for delivery by approved SQA centres from September.
It is expected to provide training for more than 100 musicians in its first year from a wide range of organisations such as Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Traditional Song and Music Association of Scotland (TMSA), the Adult Learning Programme in Edinburgh and the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop. The course has taken four years to develop through a series of consultation exercises such as seminars and email questionnaires.
The Scottish Arts Council has backed the development since 2000 with funds to run the Traditional Music Tutors Training Network and employ a co-ordinator, Iona MacDonald, seconded from Fèisean nan Gàidheal.
Members of the group who were responsible for devising the course include singer Sheena Wellington, Dougie Pincock, Director of the National School of Excellence for Traditional Music at Plockton, Jack Beck of Scottish Song and Story and Dave Francis, who devised the Scottish Arts Council report on Traditional Music in 1999 that kick started the process.
Paul Gallacher, Qualifications Manager with the SQA says: ‘SQA is keen to work with our partners in Scotland to develop qualifications which meet industry needs. Our market research states that the Music industry would welcome this new award so we want to ensure people know this is now available. It has been a pleasure to work with the various networks and we look forward to future partnerships with the Scottish Arts Council.’
Mark Sheridan, Head of Music at the University of Strathclyde, says: ‘It is unlikely that any other group of professional musicians could have collaborated so well in devising such an excellent course. The traditional music folk have a great sense of equality and can work well together despite disagreement and different views for the common good of the music. This Qualification puts the Traditional music tutors at the forefront of quality assurance for their students, young and old, and it is a model of good practice for other groups wishing to develop professional qualifications in their sectors.’
Arthur Cormack, Director of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, added: ‘We are delighted to have been involved in this initiative. Our organisation depends on being able to provide music tutors who are both competent musicians in their own instrument and confident and competent to teach and inspire others. We are encouraged by the reception this development has received from our own tutor base.’
The course focuses on developing skills in planning and implementing learning and teaching and in encouraging quality of experience for the learners and personal reflection and attainment for the participants. For more information, contact Iona MacDonald of Fèisean nan Gàidheal at iona@feisean.org.
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Contact email(s)
iona@feisean.org
Issued by: Fèisean nan Gàidheal
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