Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Project Name: Music and Literacy – MacMorran Community Centre

Project Start/End Dates: September 2010 –April 2011; Continuing Program

Initial Project Description: The Music and Literacy Program is designed to offer a supportive, positive environment where individuals can learn how to read music, advance their learning, and perform in front of their family, friends and community, creating a feeling of achievement and success.

The goals of the program include:

  • Teaching students proper technique for their chosen instruments
  • Teaching basic musicianship
  • Teaching performance techniques
  • Keep track of musical progress

Project Outcomes: The program took place over a twelve week period. The funding allowed the centre to increase materials and supplies. Evaluation was based on direct observations by parents and tutors, direct questioning and attendance.

Training the tutors in a new curriculum offered them additional skills for their own music literacy, thereby supporting both tutor and student in their endeavours. Child and adult students received one-on-one or small group lessons in piano, guitar and bongo drums, with each lesson lasting 30 minutes.

  • Parents supported their children’s musical education by getting them to practice at home, observing some of the lessons and attending a recital.
  • The students conveyed that they enjoyed their lessons and reported that they made an effort to practice at home. Attendance was good, and for a core groups of students, perfect.
  • The tutors reported that their students seemed to enjoy the sessions, and that they indeed practiced at home.
  • The music coordinator reported the term a great success overall, with a great deal of interest in music in the MacMorran community.

Students in the program demonstrated increased music knowledge by advancing in instrumental methods texts and taking on more complicated pieces. Students also became more conversant with musical symbols and terms. At the enclose of the term students participated in a recital, performing before an audience of friends and family, and addressing the audience.

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.