Bangor Fund enables the Department of Arts to organise a Music Education workshop with Berwyn Jones

A generous contribution from the Bangor Fund has enabled the Department of Arts to organise a Music Education workshop with Berwyn Jones, Musical Director of the local Sistema Music project, Codi'r To [Raising the Roof]. Berwyn also works as a private instrumental tutor and is also an international performer with the very successful Band Pres Llareggub. The workshop was very well-attended, and included 25 students from the ‘Music Teaching in Context’ module, as well as students on the MA Music Education programme. Students enjoyed learning about both theoretical and practical application of whole class music and instrumental teaching methods such as the Kodály method.

Ava, a 3rd year student following the ‘Music Teaching in Context’ module, said “It was so inspiring listening to what he's done in his career and how he gives young children the opportunity to learn music!”

Ivonne, a PG student on the MA Music Education programme added “I find it useful that Berwyn showed ways to make music education accessible through practical, simple, and progressive activities, even with large groups."

Reflecting on his experience of working with our students during the workshop, Berwyn noted “It was excellent to work with this group, introducing them to new ideas and seeing them responding in real time to these ideas. I hope this workshop will offer them a new approach to teaching music.

We are immensely thankful to our Bangor University alumni for their continued support to the Bangor Fund. Their support enables us to support projects like this, with aim to enhance our students' experiences, and to strengthen their connection to their craft.

Persida Chung, Development Officer