RNCM launches free digital resources for aspiring conductors
The RNCM’s Conducting Department, in conjunction with the University of Stavanger (Norway), the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and the Open University (UK), has launched ConductIT: a comprehensive set of digital learning resources aimed at helping aspiring conductors at all levels.
The three-year project brings together interactive lessons, interviews from industry-leading professionals, detailed case studies, careers guidance, and a 49-excerpt workbook with accompanying video demonstrations into a single open online resource. And thanks to €436,000 of Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership funding, ConductIT is completely free to use.
ConductIT is completely accessible to anyone: users can learn online individually at their own pace, or the resources can be utilised by schools, colleges, and universities in curriculum-based blended learning courses, or as a Continuing Professional Development resource for music educators and other professionals.
Professor Mark Heron, RNCM Head of Conducting and lead for ConductIT said:
‘Designed in collaboration with our friends in Stavanger, Aveiro, and The Open University, this is a significant development in conducting pedagogy for conductors at all stages of their careers. We believe that ConductIT is the most comprehensive online resource about the art and craft of conducting in existence.
The RNCM’s conducting degree programmes are amongst the best in the world, attracting the highest quality of students globally. We already pass on this expertise through our short courses and masterclasses aimed at young conductors, and those working in music education, but there is a limit to the number of people we can realistically reach in this more traditional manner. We are very conscious that there are thousands of people out there for whom conducting is a small part of their professional activity, or a hobby, and we hope that ConductIT will help them to improve the quality of the work they do with their orchestras, choirs, bands, and ensembles.
The last two years of lockdowns, and restrictions on in-person teaching, have opened everyone’s eyes to the possibilities of innovative approaches to online learning and the opportunity, through necessity, to road-test our materials in real time has been immensely valuable. In addition to courses offered by the project partners, we are delighted that ConductIT has already been adopted by the Royal Air Force Music Service and the Royal Marines Band Service for use in their CPD training courses.’
For further information visit www.conductIT.eu or contact [email protected].
A comprehensive factsheet is available as a download on this page.
4 January 2022