Experts untangle the knot for famous singer to teach music in schools

Experts say that when students are guided by teachers as art advisors, exposed to singers and artists and participate in practical projects, artistic talents can be discovered early.

At the recent workshop "Solutions to improve the quality of music education in schools" , many experts, education managers and artists pointed out "bottlenecks" and proposed practical solutions to make art an important foundation in the process of developing students' comprehensive abilities.

Many difficulties surround the subject of Music in high schools.

Dr. Pham Tuan Anh, Deputy Head of the Department of Teachers and Educational Managers, Ministry of Education and Training, said that currently, music education in schools faces many difficulties due to the lack and weakness of the music and art teachers.

In particular, after applying the 2018 General Education Program, in many localities, there are almost no high school art teachers; and there is also a shortage at primary and secondary levels.

In addition, equipment, facilities, and specialized classrooms are also lacking. “To teach and learn art subjects well, musical instruments are needed. But for schools, especially in remote areas, this is still a very difficult problem,” said Mr. Tuan Anh.

Meanwhile, the perception of society, especially parents, still considers this subject as secondary and not used in university entrance exams, so they pay little attention. These things hinder the teaching of art in high schools.

To teach and learn art subjects well, musical instruments are needed. Photo: Thuy Nga

Faced with the above situation, Dr. Thai Van Tai, Director of the General Education Department, said that recently, the Ministry of Education and Training has "tightened" the management of extra teaching, extra learning, and cramming knowledge to create space for students to have time to explore their strengths and participate in artistic activities.

He believes that to improve the quality of music education, it is necessary to change the way teaching is organized towards experience, inviting artists to participate in educational activities.

“Students need to be 'immersed' in an artistic environment to express their talents and strengths, turning knowledge into their own abilities,” Dr. Tai emphasized.

If well organized, according to him, art programs in schools will help discover artistic talents early and create generations of students who develop more comprehensively.

Invite singers to teach students

As the leader of the pioneer school that introduced music and arts education into the curriculum since 2010, Mr. Dam Tien Nam, Principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary and High School ( Hanoi ), said that at first, the school also faced difficulties such as lack of musical instruments, professional stages and standard practice rooms. The teaching staff only had 2-3 teachers, mainly teaching singing and basic music theory.

However, the school has set goals: primary school students must know how to use a musical instrument, get familiar with rhythm, vocals, and perception; secondary school students need to reach proficiency, be able to play in ensembles, choirs, and perform; high school students know how to create art, form bands, perform techniques, and participate in major art projects.

To achieve this goal, the school recruits teachers who are teachers and artists who have graduated from art academies, have performance experience, and have modern pedagogical thinking. The school creates conditions for guest teachers who are professional artists to participate in teaching, exchanging, and inspiring.

In addition, the school invests in purchasing musical instruments, building specialized classrooms, professional stage lighting and sound systems, etc. Thanks to that, students can study in a semi-professional environment, be tutored by teachers as art advisors, have contact with artists - experts and participate in practical projects like art school students.

“Students can choose to learn musical instruments such as piano, guitar, drums, zither, moon lute, monochord, violin; learn traditional music, modern music, technology and music production 4.0… Many students have discovered, affirmed and developed their talents. Many have passed the entrance exam to the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Central University of Art Education…”, Mr. Dam Tien Nam shared.

Mobilizing artisans, artists, athletes... to participate in educational activities. Photo: Thuy Nga

As an artist who has taught at several schools, Master of Arts Nguyen Thi Le Giang, lecturer at the Traditional Music Department at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, has found that students are very interested in learning about professional, structured music.

She believes that schools need to invest in soundproof classrooms and professional equipment; at the same time, artists should regularly coordinate and train teachers to improve their expertise and inspire students.

A lot of training but still 'no' Music and Fine Arts teachers . A representative of the Ministry of Education and Training pointed out the current situation at the high school level that there are almost no teachers to teach the two subjects of Music and Fine Arts, except for some non-public schools or schools with foreign elements.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chuyen-gia-go-nut-that-de-ca-si-noi-tieng-ve-day-nhac-trong-truong-hoc-2469992.html