Teaching students across the world: videoconferencing at the RCM

Dr Tânia Lisboa Centre for the Study of Music Performance

Funded by Prince Consort Foundation

Outline

Background to RCM projects Initial aims at the RCM Collaborating with ANNIE (University of Warwick)

Implementing Partnership with Imperial College Videoconference events at the RCM (Funded by

Prince Consort Foundation) The professors and students’ experience

Discussion

Background

Initial aims

To find out about the technology

To explore possibilities of using videoconferencing within the context of RCM e-learning strategies

To exchange musical experiences and to further develop RCM relationships with partner institutions abroad

Initial Stages

Investigating the available technology

Attending a workshop on “Teaching using videoconferencing”

Exploring different possibilities: Buying the equipment for the RCM Hiring the kit and setting-up the videoconferencing at the RCM Hiring a studio at another location

Planning the RCM first videoconferencing event: Contacting with Heads of Department

University of Warwick:ANNIE* Project:

Location of lecturer(s)

Location of students Technologies Used for

Kent Exeter IP Viewstation Vivas

Carolina Texas IP + PCs + Yahoo + projection lecture

ShrewsburyScottish Highlands and Islands

ISDN multiway tutorials

KentQueen's College, Belfast

IP + PCs + NetMeeting + projectionexternal examination

*Accessing and Networking with National and International Expertise

Types of connection

ISDN Advantages: High quality video Disadvantages: Requires a lot of organising; in rooms

unsuitable for teaching; technology not “owned”; expensive

IP + PCs + projection Advantages: Familiar technology; location of technology, easy

to use; low or not cost Disadvantages: Low quality; bandwidth problems; permissions

through firewalls

Imperial College video suite

Projects at the RCM

Pilot ProjectGamelan seminar (March & November 03)

Following ProjectsPeer-assessment collaborative project (June 04)Strings workshop (November 04)Piano Masterclass (March 05)

Future Projects

THE RCM GAMELAN(IP connection)

“Gamelan Sekar Tunjung Sétå” (‘White Lotus Flower‘)

Gamelan Seminar (Pilot Project) Eastman School of Music (November 03)

3rd. NOVEMBER 2003

Results of Pilot Project

New experience for all participants

There was meaningful interaction between professors and students (e.g. discussing learning strategies, performance techniques)

First joint music improvisation via videconferencing (?)

There is scope for developing a range of musical activities via videoconferencing

Feedback from pilot project

General interest in having further opportunities with professors and students from Institutions that they would not have access otherwise.

Interest in taking the Gamelan experience further

Participants stated that the experience was highly relevant and that video-conferencing could be used as a supplement to the teaching they receive.                     

Peer-Assessment collaborative projectUniversity of Ulster & ANNIE project (June 04)

Participants: Two members of staff and four students from each institution

Assessment exercise: Discussion of previously assessed audio

performances (UU students) Discussion and assessment of videoed

performances

Violin and cello students (Professors: Mark Messenger and Tânia Lisboa)

6 participants: Three students from each school

Future plans: to extend it to include the voice faculty

Strings workshop with schools in The UK (November 04)

Piano masterclassCleveland Institute of Music (March 05)

Professors: Yonty Solomon (RCM) Antonio Pompa-Baldi (CIM)

Participants: Two students from each Institution

Repertoire: Beethoven: Sonata Opus 109 Brahms: Opus 118 Klavierstucke Mozart: Fantasy in D minor Liszt: Les Jeux d'eau a la Villa d'Este

Conclusion

Potential for: Exploring a range of musical activities (e.g. chamber

music) Exploring issues related to distance learning,

widening participation, curriculum development, etc. Further developing international collaborations and

relationship with partner institutions