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Informing new string programmes: Lessons learned from an Australian experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 October 2011

Fintan Murphy*
Affiliation:
School of Music, Monash University, Melbourne, [email protected]
Nikki Rickard
Affiliation:
School of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, [email protected]
Anneliese Gill
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, [email protected]
Helen Grimmett
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, [email protected]
*
Corresponding author: Fintan Murphy

Abstract

Although there are many examples of notable string programmes there has been relatively little comparative analysis of these programmes. This paper examines three benchmark string programmes (The University of Illinois String Project, The Tower Hamlets String Teaching Project and Colourstrings) alongside Music4All, an innovative string programme run over three years in five primary schools in regional Australia. The paper discusses difficulties encountered in the Australian experience and gives recommendations for future programmes including allowing adequate time and resources for the planning phase and the importance of ongoing professional development for staff.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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