Head of Composition Presents at the Composing Futures Conference
MLC School Old Girl and Head of Composition Alice Chance (2014) recently represented MLC School at the Independent Schools NSW Music Education Conference, Composing Futures: Creativity, Culture and Connection in the Music Classroom. Held in late March, the conference brought together leading music educators to explore new syllabus directions and research‑informed practice. Alice shares her reflections on the day below:
I was thrilled to be invited to present at this year’s Music Education Conference organised by Independent Schools NSW (ISNSW) entitled Composing Futures: Creativity, Culture and Connection in the Music Classroom which took place on Tuesday 24 March.
The lineup included Dr James Humberstone (Sydney Conservatorium of Music, ex MLC School teacher), Amy Richardson (Head of Music, Santa Sabina), and Dr Candace Kruger (Griffith University).
Throughout the day, we gained crucial insights into the new Depth Study component of the new 7-10 Music Syllabus, as well as Educative Evidence Based Practice recommendations for music classrooms based on fresh research.
My own presentation centred around practical strategies for composing in the music classroom. I put the attending teachers in their students’ shoes, calling upon them to improvise, sing and compose. They were impressed when I showed them exercises that MLC School music students had successfully tackled.
The day had a brilliant atmosphere and I can’t wait to bring the insights I gained back to MLC School.
– Alice Chance
Head of Composition
Click on gallery to view full images
Photo 1: Alice and one of the delegate groups that took part in her workshop
Photo 2: Tiana Souvaliotis (Convenor, ISNSW), Alice and Carlo Tuttocuore (Senior Education Consultant: Teaching & Learning ISNSW)