The Programme for Excellence

Transcription

1 The Programme for Excellence in String Education Under the Artistic Directorship of Prof. Michael Gaisler

2 Introduction The Programme for Excellence in String Education (PESE) was founded in 2008 by the Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna in partnership with the the city of Jerusalem. We endeavored to create a programme which offers children of all backgrounds the opportunity to access string instruction of the highest quality. We turned to renowned violinist and instructor Prof. Michael Gaisler to head this programme. Prof. Gaisler is one of Israel s leading figures in string education; he is known for working tirelessly to improve instructional levels, for his emphasis on excellence and for his rich history and success in mentoring teachers and students in Israel s periphery. His artistic directorship and dedication to PESE has been key to the programme s success. Today, PESE represents the pinnacle of the music education we strive to provide. Through PESE, students receive instruction of the highest caliber; our select group of instructors enables students to realise their potential, reach high level of musicianship and enjoy a rich and comprehensive programme of study. Accordingly, our string orchestras and ensembles are consistently recognized for excellence in national forums. We are proud to be at the forefront of string education in Israel and to be able to provide this singular opportunity to students and teachers.

3 Programme Components To achieve our overarching goal of providing each student with the best education possible, in a way which is responsive to each child s unique talents and needs, the programme is comprised of the following core elements: Improving Instructional Quality With the understanding that quality performance is first and foremost a function of quality instruction, PESE emphasizes the training and guidance of string instructors. Under the supervision of Prof. Gaisler, the programme identifies instructors who could benefit from ongoing individualized guidance and enrichment. Each participating teacher, along with their students, receives one-on-one mentorship from master teachers on a regular basis (usually monthly). At these sessions, teachers access a wider range of pedagogical strategies, are introduced to new instructional tips and receive support which is specially tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. Three times a year, all eight teachers currently in the programme meet with Prof. Gaisler in a group setting. At these gatherings, they review pedagogical strategies, raise dilemmas related to teaching and discuss challenges. They also discuss the progress of individual students with the aim of developing the best possible programme of study for each child in the programme. Through this guided process, we help each teacher to create relationships with their students based on trust and professionalism, enable each teacher to reach their full potential as an instructor and develop a highly qualified and professional teaching staff.

4 Offering a Comprehensive Programme of Study We offer a rich and challenging program of study. Students receive individualized weekly instruction which is enhanced by additional studies essential to the development of a well-rounded musician as follows: Music Theory and Ear Training classes Students learn to understand the language of music through examination of patterns and structures in composers techniques, styles and historical periods. This is complimented by ear training; exclusively through listening, our students learn to identify pitches, intervals, melody, chords, rhythms, and other basic elements of music. Chamber Music, Ensembles and Orchestra PESE places special emphasis on chamber music and orchestral playing as we believe these experiences are essential to the development of the well-rounded musician. As chamber music is one of the greatest pleasures the musical world can offer, we aim to expose all of our students to this fabulous experience. Participation in ensembles cultivates collaborative skills that are invaluable to a young musician's education. We offer a wide variety of ensembles meeting the needs of students at all levels of study and ability. These include young violin and cello ensembles, string quartets, piano trios, a chamber orchestra for students aged 7-11 and an advanced chamber orchestra for young people aged We expose students to the many ways in which they can make music with others while, simultaneously, advancing their ability to play with others.

5 Chamber Orchestra Our chamber orchestra, one of the premier youth orchestras in Israel, consists of 27 students, aged 10 to 18, who have demonstrated the talent and discipline necessary for participating in an orchestra of this caliber. They perform a full repertoire of classical music along with contemporary music. The Chamber Orchestra performs with special distinction at yearly gatherings sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Education and holds several festive concerts a year. In 2011 the orchestra participated in a successful tour to London. They performed at several venues including the Yehudi Menuhin School. Prof. Michael Gaisler conducts the orchestra and serves as its Music Director. The artistic achievements of this group are a credit to his professionalism and leadership.

6 Reaching all Children through School-Based Music Programmes PESE seeks to bring the benefits of instrument playing to all children and to make this an integral aspect of basic education. Indeed, exposure to the arts and music education in particular contributes enourmously to ones education. Playing instruments is known to improve concentration, emotional expression, cognition, self-discipline, coordination, attentiveness and patience. In order to bring these benefits to as many children as possible, in 2009, we began to initiate partnerships with local elementary schools, beginning with the Adam School. During this initial phase of the school-based programme, every second grade student is exposed to string playing and the acquisition of basic musical tools. All participants are taught either violin or cello in weekly group lessons and individual lessons. These activities have two primary objectives: to give students the opportunity to experience string playing and to identify those with the necessary interest and skill level for continuing instruction. Students who exhibit a desire to continue their studies and demonstrate the requisite competencies are provided with additional individualized instruction at the Conservatory. In the second year of the programme, continuing students are enrolled directly at the Conservatory. They benefit from the rich educational programme offered by the Conservatory: weekly individual lessons with an instructor being mentored by the program, weekly theory and ear training lessons, a monthly master class and participation in chamber music ensembles, school-based and conservatory orchestras, concerts and exams. Currently, each year, this program reaches 120 children who are extremely diverse culturally, socially and economically. In this context, we particularly emphasize reaching underpriviledged children, among them children at risk and children of Ethiopian descent.

7 Ensuing Access to High Quality Education for Every Student High quality music education is out of financial reach for many families. We do not believe that finances should be an impediment to excellence; therefore students in PESE receive the financial aid necessary to facilitate their full integration into PESE and the Conservatory community. Levels of financial aid are established by a financial committee based on an indepth evaluation of each family s economic situation. Some 80% of PESE students receive partial to full scholarships for tuition. Furthermore, we provide instruments for students who are not able to purchase or rent an instrument, while working to obtain high quality instruments for our advanced students. Quality music education is a long-term process that requires continuous financing to secure its viability and stability. Providing a Supportive Learning and Social Environment We believe that the creation of a supportive, encouraging and trustworthy learning environment is essential for promoting the musical, academic and emotional growth and development of our students. We meet with instructors, students and parents in the programme to monitor the children's progress and to ensure we are meeting their needs to the greatest extent possible. This helps us to achieve the kind of musical home we strive for.

8 The Programme for Excellence in String Education (PESE) grants every child with the desire and motivation to experience music education the opportunity to receive the highest quality of instruction in a warm and supportive environment which is conducive to learning and growth. Simultaneously, it equips Israel s next generation of string teachers with the skills and competencies necessary to achieve their musical calling with the highest degree of professionlism. We are proud to provide this unique opportunity to students and teachers. Through the Programme for Excellence in String Education, we are shaping a new generation of musicians, music lovers and music supporters in Jerusalem. Tax deductible contributions from UK may be made through the: The Jerusalem Foundation Registered charity number Administered by Prism the Gift Fund 20 Gloucester Place London W1U 8HA Tel: UK Desk Director: Neil Greenbaum Mobile phone: neilg@jfjlm.org Tel: Please include a note designating your gift to the Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna