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Case studies

South Manchester City Learning Centre

Appendix 1

Progress reports for South Manchester CLC/Manchester Music Services Gigajam Mentor Centre project. Sept 2004-July 2005

Newall Green High School

School Newall Green High School
Start date May 05
Group profile Scott has chosen a Year 7 class to work on Gigajam. The programme is installed in the music I.T. Suite, meaning that all the keyboards can follow, if not analyse, the lessons. Guitarists, bassists and drummers were self-selected. In lessons this would operate on a turn - taking basis
How often The intention is to have sessions once a week.
Environment Aside from the main I.T. Music suite, the equipment is housed in an adjoining, lockable room.
Observations The initial lesson went well. The rather lively year 7 class settled down and worked effectively through the initial stages.
Progress N/A
Gigafest We have in mind an older group to perform at Gigafest.

North Manchester High School For Girls

School North Manchester High School For Girls
Start date March 05
Group profile A group of three were selected on the basis of their interest. It was limited to three because of a lack of bass guitar. One girl is about grade iv on classical whereas the other two are beginners.
How often The session are ad hoc, usually once a week.
Environment The equipment is permanently set up in a secure room, which houses a real drum kit.
Observations

The group had an initial demonstration, then were able to work through the lessons on their own. The Gigajam program has been received favourably by children - and staff. The video clips and clarity of language were cited as examples of user-friendliness.

The codex on the guitar lessons does not function. As with most schools, security and trust are big factors when deciding on children accessing the equipment unsupervised.

Progress The relatively advanced girl is up to lesson 8 whereas the others are a little behind. But progressing well.
Gigafest Ensemble work will be developed for the Gigafest.

St Paul’s Church of England Primary

School St Paul’s Church of England Primary
Start date January 05
Group profile Four groups of four were selected from those year 5 & 6 who showed interest . Some learn instruments already, some don’t but have shown musicality and some were chosen on the basis that they would be able to follow the lessons successfully.
How often Usually once a week
Environment A music room in which equipment can be set up permanently.
Observations

The two year 6 groups are writing a song using elements of knowledge gained from Gigajam (i.e power chords, root bass lines) These are to be recorded in the school studio and performed at Gigafest.

Some problems involving the analyser have been reported:

  1. It does not always work
  2. It is difficult to score on the guitar at a reasonable rate. Also no bass guitar provided at beginning.

Both staff and children have reacted very favourably to Gigajam, both as an activity in itself and as a launch to ensemble playing and composition.

Progress The more musically experienced children are able to average almost one lesson per session, whilst the less experienced might take three to four sessions on a lesson. All seem to enjoy recapping on previous lessons.
Gigafest 2 Year 6 groups

Whalley Range High School for Girls

School Whalley Range High School for Girls
Start date  
Group profile

Four groups of four were selected from year 8 and 9 girls who showed interest.

Most of these groups do not have instrumental tuition. Outside these groups are guitar and bass students.

How often Roughly once a week. Once students have had the initial demonstration, they can book in a session during breaks and lunches.
Environment Specially set aside area in music room
Observations

Apart from a laptop malfunctioning, the Analyser glitched quite often.

The girls enjoy working through the programme and find ensemble playing possible even after one session

Progress Rates of progress correlate to previous musical experience. Some girls who are complete beginners might find the beginning lessons too easy. All who have taken part find it of benefit by virtue of the need to play absolutely on the beat.
Gigafest The members of the band who will play Gigafest are beginners this year and are showing good progress.(Lesson 8)

St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Primary School

School St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Primary School
Start date May 05
Group profile

Four groups of three (to rise to four on arrival of the bass) were selected from years 5 and 6. The groups were divided into more able and “less able “designations by the head teacher.

Most of the more able take instrumental tuition most of the less able do not.

How often  
Environment The equipment is permanently set up in the corner of the I.T. Room.
Observations

The groups have just had the initial demonstration.

One malfunctioning screen on a lap top. Lack of bass and missing equipment.

The children took to the programme with great relish.

Interestingly the less able year 6 group played a very accurate ensemble passage together at the initial session.

Progress  
Gigafest One year 6 group will be selected to demonstrate how one might work through the early lessons. In the hour before the concert.

Chorlton High School

School Chorlton High School
Start date April 05
Group profile  
How often Once a week when possible.
Environment Especially set - aside practice room.
Observations  
Progress Varied rates of progress, depending on musical background
Gigafest The group chosen to perform at Gigafest one all starters from September, and they are progressing to the Higher lessons (10 and onwards)

Appendices

Appendix Two : Mentor Centre Model