Deborah Young – research write-up

The presenters of the Haringey Music Service INSET, which took place on 9th January, are grateful to the SNSF for supporting the research into development of the Nelson Way which followed and which will inform the planning of sessions to be given at ESTA’s Summer School in August.

The INSET was attended by fourteen HMS teachers who, between them, have a wide range of experience, from two former SMN pupils to those at the beginning of their teaching careers, including those who trained in other countries. Most have some experience of whole class or small group teaching, but a few only teach individuals.

The workshop was based on the ideas and strategies developed by Sheila Nelson, starting with a group of songs, both historic to her sessions and some more currently used. It continued with some heavy vs light arm exercises with the teachers working in pairs, and explored active vs passive movements. The following activity took simple songs from the Essential String Method bk.1, including sol fa and hand signs. Katherine Chibah’s backing tracks for Tall Red Bus were much admired! Next came a wide variety of games using rhythm cards; ranging from the very simple to the extremely challenging. The teaching of pulse and movement was discussed. Bow hold teaching and the importance of big arm movements ended the session; Stir the Magic Pot from ESM bk 1 was demonstrated.

The teachers were asked to try some or all of these activities in their spring term teaching and evaluate their effectiveness.

Almost all tried the sol fa and rhythm card activities, which many had not used before, finding the rhythm
cards generally easy to use and incorporate, but some found pupils shy about singing and sol fa and found hand signs tricky. Many tried the bow holding exercises and big freeing movements to improve string crossing and general physicality. There was mention of some behaviour problems when children worked in pairs to find light vs heavy arms. Many tried different songs and repertoire and were enthusiastic about getting backing tracks for ESM. The opening up of a more playful way of teaching and more relaxed pupils was mentioned.

Of the 11 teachers who responded, all were very positive and said they would continue to use the activities and welcomed further training. In summary this was an extremely useful preparation and basis for planning what to include in the summer.