CUSEIP placement addresses gaps in knowledge

Maya Morris, a master’s student at the School of Music, has undertaken a Cardiff University Education Innovation Programme (CUSEIP) placement entitled “Integrating the student in the development of an MA pathway in music education”.

The aim of the placement was to assist in the development of a master’s pathway to bridge the gap between the music teacher training currently offered across Wales and England, and areas of music education that students and teachers believe would benefit from enhancement.

The project gathered feedback from tertiary and secondary educational sectors. Students at Cardiff University and its partners, Caerphilly music service, Newport and Gwent music service, and over 25 secondary schools in South Wales and England, fed into the project. Prospective students at university Open Days also shared their current experience of studying music before university.

Maya said: “I decided to take the CUSEIP placement because of my interest and involvement in music education. I was excited by the opportunity to help develop an MA pathway and undergraduate module in music education and thought it would be a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge in this area.

“This placement was great preparation for my current master’s course in that I got to see the types of learning activities and assessments that I would undertake. The knowledge I gained about different areas of music education will be beneficial for any modules or assignments I take in music teaching and will also enhance my own teaching activities.”

Dr Cameron Gardner, who supervised the project, said: “Such collation impacts what might be taught on the new MA pathway in music education and the emphasis of certain disciplines, such as theory, composition, technology, genre diversity, conducting and performance.

“The possibility of music education students undertaking site visits or hosting schools is also an attractive option and importantly strengthens our links with wider learning communities, including those in economically deprived areas of South Wales.”