From NAME's new Chair
All the NAME conferences I have attended have been memorable. This year's has left a particular impression, because I have come away with a renewed sense of what the organisation is about (as well as coming away as Chair). Each of the keynotes, each of the breakout sessions I went to, the regional and focus group meetings, and each of the conversations I had over lunch and coffee reinforced this sense of identity. Each revolved around a deep concern for the quality of music education experienced by children and young people.
The concern for quality was expressed through the desire of people both to develop their own sense of what it is to be a musician and also to develop their understanding of what it means to teach. It arose in all sorts of contexts: relating to classroom teaching, instrumental and coval teaching, community music and outreach. It was shared by teachers in primary and secondary schools, Initial Teacher Education, music services, those in private practice.
The depth of engagement with quality teaching was no more evident than in its resilience. All of the keynote speakers provided a robust level of challenge to the practice of music educators. And yet, in the conversations I heard and shared, this challenge was welcomed and dissected. It enhanced ths sense of common purpose in developing the quality of music teaching rather than threatening and undermining it, as might so easily have happened in the current climate of uncertainty.
The new NAME book, Musical Pathways, bears witness to this quest for ongling musical and professional development and to the diversity of circumstances in which it takes place. In additiion to the fascinating testimonies of musicians, teachers and pupils (of various ages) there are chapters that draw on research to reflect on the nature of musical development and identity. It is a compulsive read, providing a sounding board for your own experience as well as satisfying curiousity about the experiences of others. You can order your own copy from the Publications section of the website.
The conference was a time for greeting newly-elected Directors and Regional Representatives (whose details will appear on the website soon). It was also a time for celebrating the contribution of those whose term of office came to an end. Many people took part in a survey to find out views on how NAME can better meet the needs of its members and of music education, and how it can reach out more effectively to those who are not currently members. If you would like to contribute your own views but were unable to do so at the conference, you can download the survey form here and email it to chair@name.org.uk.
There was general agreement that this will be an exciting and challenging year. Yet there prevailed a positive response to this prospect, rooted in commitment to high-quality music education. It is a year that I look forward to sharing with you as Chair.
James Garnett
26 September 2011
