Faber Music launches free Teachers’ Community following music research findings
Following an important research project with Sound Connections in 2023 which sought to increase understanding of the state of music education and the needs of instrumental music teachers and students in the UK, Faber Music has now launched ‘The Faber Music Teachers’ Community, a free community that will initially focus on areas of Piano Pedagogy and Resources, Music Theory, and CPD.
In 2023, Faber Music embarked on an important research project with Sound Connections. The purpose was to increase their understanding of the state of music education and the needs of instrumental music teachers and students in the UK.
Setting out the project, Lesley Rutherford, Publishing Director at Faber Music explained:
“In a post-COVID era, with budgets under increasing pressure and a landscape where AI and technology are changing the way we approach teaching and learning, it’s imperative that we listen to music teachers and do what we can to support them.”
Running from June to October, the consultation focused on how the music education market has changed in recent years and the way in which instrumental music teachers and students engage with printed and digital music publications. It took the form of an online questionnaire plus in-depth telephone interviews and focus groups. The survey reached the teachers of nearly 24,000 students from across the UK. Respondents included vocal and instrumental tutors, who were contacted via music industry and education associations and networks, Multiple Academy Trusts (MATs), Music Hubs and music conservatoires.
The findings recognised the importance of inclusivity and diversity and ‘The Pandemic Effect’, and the resounding message throughout the consultative process was that it was clear that vocal and instrumental tutors felt validated by being asked for their views. Many commented that this was the first time anyone had asked them what they thought about printed music and related resources.
It’s exciting when you have publishers wanting to engage with the people that are using their products and actually asking them about what they need, and how can they help, because this should be about everybody working together to produce what is required to help… our children.
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What’s next from Faber Music…
The research is already helping inform Faber Music’s future educational publishing plans and will undoubtedly enrich it for years to come. What also shone through was the unquestionable importance of continuing to listen and learn from the teaching community.
...After searching for a way to ensure everyone is consulted, listened to, and supported, we are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new online community. The purpose of The Faber Music Teachers’ Community will be to ensure music teachers have a voice: to continue the conversation and nurture it, to ask questions and engage more. It will also be a place where we can give something back, whether that be free downloads, CPD webinars, access to music education experts or an exclusive first-look at new publications...
Rachel Topham - Head of Marketing, Faber Music
Launching on Thursday 23rd May 2024, The Faber Music Teachers’ Community will be completely free and will initially focus on areas of Piano Pedagogy and Resources, Music Theory, and CPD. All music teachers are warmly invited to join the dedicated Facebook Group and sign up via fabermusic.com.
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