UPDATE! Music theory education in Classical Department
Since 2019-2020, the music theory subjects of years 1 and 2 have been replaced by the two courses Skills Lab and Creative Lab to integrate music theory with performance and creativity, to foster collaboration and student ownership and finally, to have active lessons. The creative assignments include improvisation and composition; they appeal from early on to the imagination and creativity of the students. Knowledge and skills like analysis, sound imagination, singing, rhythm and notation are still part of the courses and are used as tools in creative assignments. Presentations and performances of own compositions are regular components of the program in years 1 and 2. Students have been experiencing the program as very valuable and as a contribution to their performances.
Semester 2 of the 2nd year is called the ‘Capstone project’, which focuses on chamber music. In this project many practical and theoretical aspects culminate, like chamber music, creativity, music history, aural skills and analysis. The ensemble will be supported by coaches from different disciplines in order to develop a concert presentation with original repertoire and their own music.
Currently, the courses of year 3 are being designed; the program will consist of a number of choice modules and contain a wide range of topics and styles, like instrumental / vocal music from 20th century, ornamentation technique in Baroque music, basso continuo, jazz harmony and improvisation for classical musicians.
The didactical concept of the whole program is strongly connected to the 4C ID model. The so called 4 Component Instructional Design Model supports 4 areas in which the students develop their musical and theoretical awareness: authentic assignments, that are relevant to the profession as musician (I), supportive information, to be found in Moodle (II), just-in-time coaching, during the lessons (III), partial exercises for students with specific training requests (IV).
We are very much looking forward to continue the lessons in year 1 and 2 and to design the modules in year 3.
Lecturers: Inge Pasmans, David Lodewyckx, Ola Grycko, Sven Heinze, Cynthie van Eijden, Davide Catina.