Teaching students across the world: videoconferencing at the RCM Dr T â nia Lisboa

1. Teaching students across the world:videoconferencing at the RCM Dr Tânia Lisboa Centre for the Study of Music Performance Funded by Prince Consort Foundation

2. Outline • Background to RCM projects • Initial aims at the RCM • Collaborating with ANNIE (University of Warwick) • Implementing • Partnership with Imperial College • Videoconference events at the RCM (Funded by Prince Consort Foundation) • The professors and students’ experience • Discussion

3. Background Initial aims • To find out about the technology • To explore possibilities of using videoconferencing within the context of RCM e-learning strategies • To exchange musical experiences and to further develop RCM relationships with partner institutions abroad

4. Initial Stages • Investigating the available technology • Attending a workshop on “Teaching using videoconferencing” • Exploring different possibilities: • Buying the equipment for the RCM • Hiring the kit and setting-up the videoconferencing at the RCM • Hiring a studio at another location • Planning the RCM first videoconferencing event: • Contacting with Heads of Department

5. University of Warwick:ANNIE* Project: *Accessing and Networking with National and International Expertise

6. Types of connection ISDN • Advantages: High quality video • Disadvantages: Requires a lot of organising; in rooms unsuitable for teaching; technology not “owned”; expensive IP + PCs + projection • Advantages: Familiar technology; location of technology, easy to use; low or not cost • Disadvantages: Low quality; bandwidth problems; permissions through firewalls

7. Imperial College video suite

8. Projects at the RCM Pilot Project • Gamelan seminar (March & November 03) Following Projects • Peer-assessment collaborative project (June 04) • Strings workshop (November 04) • Piano Masterclass (March 05) Future Projects

9. THE RCM GAMELAN(IP connection) “Gamelan Sekar Tunjung Sétå” (‘White Lotus Flower‘)

10. Gamelan Seminar (Pilot Project)Eastman School of Music (November 03) 3rd. NOVEMBER 2003

11. Results of Pilot Project • New experience for all participants • There was meaningful interaction between professors and students (e.g. discussing learning strategies, performance techniques) • First joint music improvisation via videconferencing (?) • There is scope for developing a range of musical activities via videoconferencing

12. Feedback from pilot project • General interest in having further opportunities with professors and students from Institutions that they would not have access otherwise. • Interest in taking the Gamelan experience further • Participants stated that the experience was highly relevant and that video-conferencing could be used as a supplement to the teaching they receive.

13. Peer-Assessment collaborative projectUniversity of Ulster & ANNIE project (June 04) • Participants: Two members of staff and four students from each institution • Assessment exercise: • Discussion of previously assessed audio performances (UU students) • Discussion and assessment of videoed performances

14. Strings workshop with schools in The UK(November 04) • Violin and cello students (Professors: Mark Messenger and Tânia Lisboa) • 6 participants: Three students from each school • Future plans: to extend it to include the voice faculty

15. Piano masterclassCleveland Institute of Music(March 05) • Professors: • Yonty Solomon (RCM) • Antonio Pompa-Baldi (CIM) • Participants: Two students from each Institution • Repertoire: • Beethoven: Sonata Opus 109 • Brahms: Opus 118 Klavierstucke • Mozart: Fantasy in D minor • Liszt: Les Jeux d'eau a la Villa d'Este

16. Conclusion • Potential for: • Exploring a range of musical activities (e.g. chamber music) • Exploring issues related to distance learning, widening participation, curriculum development, etc. • Further developing international collaborations and relationship with partner institutions