It has been an enjoyable start to the year presenting some workshops around Auckland.
“Sibelius in education” – professional development day
On Friday 24th February I had the first session at a professional development day for secondary music teachers. We looked at how to use Sibelius effectively in education and checked out all of the features that are going to help both them and students use the program to its potential. The next two sessions were by Philip Norman, looking at the life and music of Douglas Lilburn and a session on composition titled “Composition can’t be taught… but techniques to help it on its way can”.
“What’s new in Sibelius 7 and education feature supercharge” – Faculty of Education
On Wednesday 15th March I worked with the new music teacher graduates at Auckland University’s Faculty of Education. They had learnt Sibelius on version 6 so before they headed out in to the schools we looked at what was new and different in version 7 and also checked out a number of the fantastic education features that makes Sibelius a joy to use in the classroom.
The next composers… – secondary schools
I have also been working at two secondary schools with composition students. Developing their own compositions as well as workshops on string writing and developing an idea through a composition.
“Meet the composer!” - APO Open Day
On a related note, coming up this Sunday is the Auckland Philharmonia Open Day and you’ll find me in the “meet the composer” room. Find out what composers do and how our ideas make it to the orchestra’s music stands; try out the Sibelius notation software and add your ideas to our “Open Day” composition – see you there!
Photo courtesy of www.apo.co.nz.