Interactive Learning
Intermusic is an innovative project funded by Erasmus+ and aims to enhance music learning and practicing using distance learning and an interactive cross-European online platform. The idea is to create a blended learning environment which includes online material for self study, virtual classrooms, chatrooms and individual coaching via distance learning facilities. The project focuses on composition, music theory, chamber music and vocal literature and is a collaboration between RDAM, Polytechnic University of Milan, The Milan Conservatory, Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and AEC (The European Association of Conservatories).
So how does an online platform help music students improve their learning and practicing? For example, Intermusic is currently running its first online pilot course for voice students, ‘Mastering Vocal Literature in Foreign Languages’ providing text, audio and video materials giving an all-round introduction to 60 songs in Italian, Danish and Russian. 20 songs in each language with recordings by native singers at various speeds demonstrating every tiny detail. This way, students who sing in a language otherwise foreign to them can meticulously study pronunciation as well as the meaning and background of a song before working with their professor. This saves valuable time giving students and their professors the chance to focus on perfecting vocal performance and artistic expression rather than basic linguistic and semantic instruction. Keeping in tune with the UN sustainability goals, Intermusic also effectively reduces travel time and CO2 emissions because it enables musicians to rehearse together long distance. The coaching sessions are done using Low Latency technology allowing singer, professor and accompanist to play and sing together online though physically separated.
Still in its early stages, Intermusic shows great promise of enhancing cross-cultural music training and with help from partner conservatories across Europe and the future ambition within vocal litterature is to keep expanding the catalogue to include all European languages.
INTERMUSIC (INTERactive environment for MUSIC learning and practising) is a development project carried out on the basis of a strategic partnership between European Music Higher Education Institutions. The main objective is to create an online shared Platform for the distance learning dedicated to music teaching and practice that will enable modelling and sharing the best training practices for musicians as well as joint courses and online projects.
INTERMUSIC will (1) support online synchronous singing, instrumental solo performance and chamber groups classes where teachers and students interact in real time in an audio-video communication environment of the highest quality; (2) use and integrate methodologies and technologies of Blended Learning and Virtual Learning Environments in music higher education. The available online teachings will be transnational and shared, thus providing with excellent prospects for internationalization. This will also ensure continuity, expansion and innovative development over time.
