A blended learning approach to music
Throughout the pandemic, staff in the Department of Music have been dedicated to providing a creative online environment where the essential musical and research skills of each programme can be taught. We look at how a blended learning approach has worked for our performance modules.
The move to online delivery for the majority of our teaching meant that the department needed to consider how best to support students’ learning, whether they are 'on campus' and having a blended learning experience, or are fully digital learners. We have been pleased to be able to offer a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods, with history and theory based modules collaborating on the University platform, Blackboard, and creative modules using platforms such as Zoom for instrumental lessons.
For semester 1, The Octagon, one of the performance venues at the University of Sheffield, became the main hub of performance activity for the department. With 870 square metres of clear floor area, the enormously flexible space allowed for socially distant recitals to continue.
The transition required a phenomenal effort to find alternative ways to ensure students could perform, receive feedback, and collaborate with each other. Amongst an ever changing situation, the efforts of our staff ensured that students continued to receive high level tuition in a encouraging, creative learning environment. We spoke to Dr Sarah Watts, Director of Performance, who was at the forefront of delivering the new blended learning approach for our performance students.
The performance team had to quickly adapt to any changes to teaching situations, so options were put in place to do live face to face performance workshops when possible... this has meant we have managed to run a full quota of sessions. Live performance classes have been assigned large spaces including the Octagon centre and Mappin Hall.
All live sessions are streamed live via zoom to any student who can't be present, and remote learning students submit videos which are streamed to the rest of the class. For 2021, we are planning to set up some home recorded concerts in semester 2 so that we can highlight the hard work of the performance students during this academic year; including an online concert of student compositions
Dr Sarah Watts
Course Director, MA Performance Studies
In November, the Octagon space was also used to stage a recital by the postgraduate performance team, including Dr Anne Macgregor and Dr Sarah Watts, as part of the ‘Classics uncovered’ series by the University of Sheffield Concerts Series. The programme celebrated the versatility of the clarinet and piano, including works by Debussy, Vaughan Williams and Poulenc, and was streamed as part of the UCAN-UK network using multiple cameras and a state-of-the-art sound recording system.
For students interested in making music whilst at the University, they will find an eclectic range of music opportunities to participate in, with a range of ensembles offered by the Department of Music, the Music Society and The Students Union.
As you can imagine, the first lockdown had a significant effect on the usual practice of ensembles and music making activity in the University, but after the initial shock and thorough consideration of the options, the ensemble committees pioneered digital replacements for many activities. The Music Society continues to do a brilliant job of providing online social activities, keeping musicians from across the University connected.
In September, we were delighted that the Department of Music ensembles were able to participate in the on-campus Chamber Rehearsal Project and Compendium concert. This allowed musicians from the five department ensembles to rehearse in smaller groups and learn chamber performance techniques. In December, members of the University of Sheffield Chamber Choir put on a memorable performance for the Firth Hall Carol Concert. During the most recent lockdown, ensembles such as the Indian music ensemble and TUOS Folk, have continued to meet, albeit virtually, to create video recordings.
For many musicians who are used to impromptu playing within the comfort of an orchestral or band section, a change to digital videos was an introduction to the new world of recording and solo performance. A sudden requirement to master new skills in technology, click tracks and 100% accuracy was a fundamental change from live performances. This is an experience which has no doubt has broadened our abilities and increased appreciation for studio musicians!
From 8 March 2021, we are pleased to be able to resume face-to-face teaching for some of our practical modules. Staff from across the University have worked hard to ensure that teaching can take place in a Covid secure environment.
View the video streams and further information about our ensembles