“I loved my day. Thank you very much. You have inspired me and made me very excited to get back to school and get started. Today has even made me want to learn how to play the guitar!”
Our last Music Teacher’s Toolbox was another fantastic day spent with an enthusiastic group of teachers and musicians. Thank you to everyone that came along and shared the day with us. We always love how much you throw yourself into the band sessions, in particular! There were some excellent renditions of Valerie and many other tunes. Well done for embracing the challenge of playing instruments you haven’t played before.
As part of our focus on BBC Ten Pieces, we created an iPad orchestra using Thumbjam and Figurenotes. Read about how to create Figurenotes overlays for Thumbjam here.Our orchestra played the Figurenotes score for the Lark Ascending (available via BBC Ten Pieces) and our soloists improvised their parts using the pentatonic scale. It sounded beautiful. Hats off to everyone that was using Thumbjam for the first time and sight-reading their part.
We then heard some wonderful compositions from each of our small groups. Each composition was based on a different piece from the BBC Ten Pieces lists. We were treated to a jazz interpretation of Firebird; an exciting rendition of Hall of the Mountain King using iPads, chime bars, and ingenious use of a Wowee speaker and ocean drum; as well as Mussorgsky with a Latin twist.
Resources from this training day are now on the Resource Base. Not a member? Join for just £23.99 a year. You’ll get discounts on future Music Teacher’s Toolbox events too.
Our next instalment of Music Teacher’s Toolbox will be on Saturday 24th November, 2018. Pop the date in your diaries now.
From its establishment in 1997 Drake Music Scotland’s primary purpose was to create music-making opportunities for disabled people of all ages. For the first 10 years this was primarily achieved through the use of accessible music technologies, giving those with limited mobility and co-ordination the means to control musical sounds and express themselves creatively. As well as working with physically disabled people, we also provided opportunities for those with learning difficulties. Many of these were able to play conventional musical instruments, but the main issue for us was how best to help them develop musical skills.
The ability to read music notation is a fundamental aspect of learning to play an instrument and joining in music making with other people. Notation presents a barrier for many learners – not just those with disabilities – and we hadn’t found a way round this. We relied on different approaches to music making, such as improvising, rhythm games, playing by ear, and creative composition using alternative notation such as graphic scores.
Essentially we recognised our own ‘teaching difficulty’ rather than seeing our participants as having a ‘learning difficulty’.
In 2008, we became aware of Figurenotes and, since that moment, this colourful notation system has had a major impact on our work. Our former Artistic Director, Brian Cope, went to Helsinki, where Figurenotes was invented and developed by Markku Kaikkonen and Kaarlo Uusitalo with their pupils at the Resonaari Music School. He returned to Scotland enthused by its simplicity and effectiveness, and we didn’t look back. Although other colour-based systems have been created, Figurenotes presents all the fundamental features of notation in a clear and accessible way, and at the same time allows learners to progress through three simple stages towards standard notation. Following our ‘Inspire’ pilot project, testing Figurenotes with a variety of learners from young children to adults, we needed no further convincing. Our mission was to introduce it to Scotland, make it more widely available by creating Figurenotes software and resources, and bring music leaders and educators on board with this revolutionary, but simple tool.
Over the last ten years, Figurenotes has had a pervasive and positive effect on all aspects of our work. As we reach the major landmark of our 20th Anniversary Concert, putting disabled musicians ‘Centre Stage’, it is enlightening to assess the impact it has had. Rather than being a dramatic ‘solution’ to everybody’s needs, there has been a gradual growth of confidence in our flexible methodology. A combination of the right kind of open-minded, creative and versatile people – musicians and music educators – with the best combination of tools, teaching practices and technologies to create a holistic approach that can be adjusted to meet the needs of any learner, seeing opportunities instead of obstacles, and allowing people’s potential and talent to be realised.
Highlights
We have had many successes with Figurenotes, both on a small individual scale, at organisational level and in terms of the wider sector both here in Scotland and further afield. Creating a list of our ‘Top Ten’ achievements with Figurenotes is nearly impossible, but here we highlight some of the major ways we have helped our participants realise their potential with the brilliant Figurenotes system over the last 10 years:
Winning the award for Best SEN Resource at the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence
This award was in recognition of everything we had achieved since launching Figurenotes resources in 2012. It was the first in what is now a much longer list of awards and accolades won by Drake Music Scotland.
Collaborations between mainstream and special schools
Increasingly, Figurenotes is enabling pupils from all schools to play together in concerts and collaborations. Many of these pupils would not have had this opportunity without Figurenotes. One of the highlights was our Mambo concert in Angus that featured in the BBC Ten Pieces newsletter.
Links with national organisations to increase accessibility and inclusion
Our resources for BBC Ten Pieces, Friday Afternoons, and links with Sistema Scotland have given so many more people access to music making. It is great to see these projects increasing their focus on inclusion and accessibility.
Recognising our work finding digital solutions to break down the barriers to music making for disabled people, including development of the Figurenotes software. Our music software is now used world-wide by teachers and students alike. A great tool for composition and for adapting pieces to the needs of the musician.
This research project helped us see the huge potential of Figurenotes and it’s effects. The orchestra frequently plays with top musicians such as Sir James MacMillan, Nicola Benedetti, and Colin Currie. Prestigious performances in both Holyrood and Westminster prove that learning with Figurenotes can take you a long way.
From a pupil moving to a mainstream school to study music after learning with Figurenotes, to a pianist with Dyslexia who is now training to be a music teacher. We absolutely love hearing back from projects all over Scotland and further afield. Access to Figurenotes resources has helped brass projects in the favelas of Brazil, school work in Uganda, Israel, Australia, Europe and the USA; the list goes on.
Tirelessly training teachers
We have been training teachers and musicians to use Figurenotes to increase accessibility, inclusion, and success for years. Our Music Teacher’s Toolbox training days go from strength to strength, attracting people from Australia, Czech Republic, Sweden, among others. We have seen an increase in training requests from organisations, schools, and companies, which means more teachers using Figurenotes and more people gaining access to music making.
We are looking forward to the biggest highlight of all: Centre Stage
Not a sentence that many people in the UK have uttered in the last week, but we have been extremely lucky with the weather! Why? Emma, Pete, and Lauren just managed to get out of the country before all flights were cancelled.
Boston played host to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference 2018. Drake Music Scotland and Figurenotes took to the stage, presenting on Figurenotes notation, technology, and inclusive music practice. We had been invited to present following the work of one Boston teacher fighting to improve provision for students with additional support needs. There are brilliant things happening in Scotland in this field, and Massachusetts’ teachers were keen to get ideas to take into their classrooms and propose to their decision makers.
“I wish I’d had this when I was learning”
“As a person with Dyslexia, it is a big deal for me to be a music major. We tend to get weeded out of music programmes. [Figurenotes] would include us!”
“This is just the best thing I’ve seen.”
“That progression makes total sense. So we can get all the kids playing and reading? That’s amazing.”
The wonderful feedback we received and the enthusiastic response from teachers made the long trip worthwhile. Some music education focuses attention on the most ‘gifted and talented’ pupils, often those who have already had the privilege of private music lessons. Making classroom music more accessible will include students who are often left behind or not given the chance to learn, as well as increasing engagement in the extra-curricular music activities within the school. Increased confidence from quick success makes motivating your class much easier, with no pupil left behind. It was wonderful to see the ‘lightbulb moment’ as these teachers understood what would now be possible in their classrooms. That was definitely worth travelling over 3000 miles for!
If you want advice on how Figurenotes could be used in your school, get in touch. Our next Music Teacher’s Toolbox training event will take place on Saturday, 24th March 2018. Take a look at the programme and book your place today.
Proceeds from Figurenotes resources go to Drake Music Scotland. This wonderful charity enables people with disabilities to learn, compose, and perform music.“Our vision is to transform people’s lives through the power of music. We play a lead role in making Scotland a place where ground-breaking new music featuring skilled musicians and composers with disabilities comes alive for everyone. We reshape the definition of musicians, musical instruments and ensembles, building momentum as the country’s centre of expertise in inclusive music technologies and as an innovator on the international stage.”Figurenotes is incorporated into almost every one of their projects. Pete Sparkes, Artistic Director of Drake Music Scotland, tells us how Figurenotes has improved their ability to deliver music sessions and unlocked the huge potential of their participants.
“The brilliance of Figurenotes is its simplicity. This notation has allowed us to work with schools and individuals who have previously found it difficult or impossible to fully participate in music. In much of the instrumental teaching world there is a focus on standard notation. While this method clearly works well for some pupils, and there are always examples of wonderful young musicians who have learned this way, we believe that a significant number of people never learn to play music because the teaching methods do not suit their learning style. Figurenotes is simple, concrete and adaptable.
Photo credit: Anne Binckebanck
Photo credit: Anne Binckebanck
Photo credit: Anne Binckebanck
One of the main benefits of using Figurenotes is that through early success we can build confidence and motivate further learning. Lack of confidence to tackle learning challenges is a major reason why some people give up music. There is a common perception that you need ‘innate talent’ to succeed. This is at best, misleading, and at worst, prevents participation in music. We know that early success with an instrument can lead to the realisation “I can play music.” This powerful motivation leads to increased confidence and future success.
We use Figurenotes throughout our programme – all over Scotland and beyond. On a Monday morning we have piano pupils working with their teachers on new Figurenotes tunes. Tuesdays see our flagshipDigital Orchestra devising new music using magnetic shapes and a whiteboard. Wednesday sees a training session for musicians from theScottish Chamber Orchestrausing Figurenotes to create more accessible resources for their Masterworks project. On Thursday, our Associate Musician is leading a school band using Figurenotes Guitars and iPads. And on Friday we continue our development of eye-gaze technology utilising Figurenotes colours. This is just a snapshot of the diverse range of projects we deliver. Figurenotes makes these projects possible and we love it.”
Proceeds from Figurenotes resources go to Drake Music Scotland, so not only do you get great resources to support your own work, you also get the warm feeling of enabling them to continue their important work in inclusive music.Come and celebrate 20 years of incredible music-making at their 20th anniversary concert, Centre Stage, to see the work you’ve been supporting.
Digital Orchestra. Photo credit: Kirsty-Jacqueline Lingard
Twice a year, we run a full day of training for music educators and practitioners. At the Music Teacher’s Toolbox, we’ll give you a good grounding in how Figurenotes can support your work and help your pupils flourish. This training is always tailored to the participants, so let us know what you’d like to see on the programme. You can take part in the Facebook poll here.
Our most experienced Figurenoters keep coming back to these training days and consistently get something fresh and new, filling them with enthusiasm and energy. The mix of people attending is always a real treat. For March 24th, we already have bookings from as far afield as the Czech Republic!
“No matter how often I attend these training days there is always something new to learn, and new ideas to share and take back. Great day meeting lots of interesting people and thinking about new ways of working.”
You’ll gain a better understanding of different musical approaches, helping you create a more inclusive music practice. Some participants are looking for a way to aid just one pupil with dyslexia, others want to make sure no one gets left behind or singled out in their classroom, and some just want to improve their pupils’ rhythm skills. Our aim is to give you the extra tools you need to create an inclusive learning environment in every musical scenario.
“Extremely useful. A whole new world has been opened up for my teaching practice, especially within ASN.”
Remember that one of the perks of your Resource Base subscription is a discount on your training place. Use the code RB2018 in the online shop to get your discount. If you aren’t a member yet, add the subscription to your order and you can get the discount straight away.
Well, we are nearly there. You’ve heard your pupils play Jingle Bells approximately a bazillion times and you are ready to park yourself by the fire with a well deserved mince pie. Before you get cracking with the Christmas cheer, we thought we’d better give you some wee housekeeping news.
In order to get your parcels in time for Christmas or the new school term, you must get your UK orders to us by 10am on Thurs 21st December, 2017. Make sure you choose a 1st class postage option. These will be posted out the same day, so it isn’t too late to grab your Festive Figurenotes pack, or magnets as a stocking filler.
Our office will be closed over the Christmas break, from Friday 23rd December to Monday 8th January, 2018. Please note that, due to staff availability, orders may take a little longer to be processed during the first few weeks of January. Normal order should resume on 22nd January, 2018. Software and Resource Base subscriptions ordered through the online shop will be sent my email, so you’ll get immediate access.
Until now, stage 3 has only been available via plugins (available from the Resource Base) for use with Sibelius or MuseScore. Now, the people at Steinberg have incorporated a one-click option without the need for a plugin. This is available within their notation software, Dorico. Get the latest update, launched on 5th December, to access this feature.
By using the Figurenotes Colours feature, you also get larger note heads, making the notation clearer to read. Your sharps and flats remain in black, regardless of the note colour; this seems to be a big plus within our Figurenotes community!
If you don’t use Dorico, remember you can still access plugins for stage 3 from our Resource Base for Sibelius and MuseScore. Stages 1 and 2 can be created using our own Figurenotes Software. Please check our FAQs before buying.
Having even more ways to access Figurenotes is a huge boost to inclusive music education. We are extremely pleased that Dorico recognises the need for accessible notation and that Figurenotes is part of that process.
A vibrant group of people attended last week’s Music Teacher’s Toolbox. We had a mix of mainstream teachers, music specialists, music therapists, SEN/ASN teachers, and community musicians. Two teachers travelled all the way from Barcelona, continuing our tradition of attracting an international crowd!
“Good to get ideas for using/introducing Figurenotes into classroom teaching. Good to hear how other people use the software. Nice mix of activities. Thank you. It was a really fun day :)”
“No matter how often I attend these training days there is always something new to learn, and new ideas to share and take back. Great day meeting lots of interesting people and thinking about new ways of working.”
“Excellent notation system to support all leaners. Looking at ways to introduce simple music making to young people was really useful. The most valuable part of the day was getting the chance to play the instruments using Figurenotes and looking at composing.”
The feedback has been wonderful and we can’t wait for the next one. We really enjoy seeing everyone brimming with ideas and ways to apply what they have learned to the people they work with.
If you missed out this time, or want to attend another training day, booking will be opening soon for Music Teacher’s Toolbox, 24th March 2018. Sign up to our mailing list for more information, and keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook. Book early to have a say in what we cover, as we like to tailor the training to those attending.
“I’m so glad I came to talk to you. This is great!”
“Ooh, this looks fun!”
Lauren and Emma were greeted with lots of big smiles and lightbulb moments during the ABRSM Conference. Many teachers are looking for extra tools in areas where their students may struggle; some just want a way to make theory or rhythm more fun. It was lovely to connect with teachers in different settings and working with a wide range of pupils. We were able to show how adaptable Figurenotes is for each setting and activity.
Figurenotes was mentioned by Jenni Parkinson in her session ‘Teaching Students with Disabilities and Specific Needs’, which meant a new crop of teachers excitedly approached our stall. We love it when experts share what they use and give people an idea of the tools available. We are thrilled to be one of those tools for Jenni.
Our magnets and rhythm games proved very popular. Teachers could see the benefit of these games straight away, without much explanation from us. The magnets and games can be used to instil pulse and rhythm through practical and engaging activities. You can sneak a lot of theory into a game too!
This year, there was increased interest in bespoke training for music hubs, especially in the south east of the UK, where Figurenotes is gaining popularity. Teachers are recognising that Figurenotes isn’t just for people with additional support needs, but works for all beginners. This is what we mean by inclusive music. By using Figurenotes in as many settings as possible, we are able to support each pupil’s needs, while making it easier for everyone to learn music.
For those that can’t wait for bespoke training, try Music Teacher’s Toolbox. Award-winning training for music practitioners and educators, these hands-on days of CPD will help you to unlock every pupil’s potential in an inclusive environment. Join us in Edinburgh on Saturday, 18th November, 2017. Only a couple of spaces left.
Once again, the BBC have asked us to create accessible resources for their Ten Pieces initiative.
The BBC are launching their third list of ten pieces, all chosen with the aim of opening up the world of classical music to a new generation. BBC Ten Pieces invites students to develop their own creative responses using a variety of art forms. Figurenotes resources echo this aim, with everything from composition worksheets, to poetry inspiration, and parts in Figurenotes notation. Some tunes are more complex, which we have included for the more advanced Figurenotes musicians, with plenty for beginners too. Remember that you can tailor the parts using the Figurenotes software, making them simpler or converting the parts to stage 2 or 3 for students progressing to conventional notation. You will find editable resources within the Figurenotes Resource Base. PDFs are available for many of the pieces from the BBC Ten Pieces website.
Want even more resources? Join the Figurenotes Resource Base for access to more from BBC Ten Pieces and many other Figurenotes resources, which are easy to tailor to your pupils’ needs.
