In this webinar Máire and Richard discuss the challenges and opportunities of teaching music during the COVID pandemic. They reflect on experiences of teaching music prior to the pandemic, facilitating music through online/distance learning and the challenges of the current restricted nature of music curriculum in primary schools. Practical strategies are considered in balancing school music programmes, including the opportunities to focus on the listening & responding and composing strands, and ways to facilitate activities related to performing while following COVID guidelines. They present activities and resources they have used in schools themselves to encourage active, engaging music lessons.

Bio of Presenters:

Dr Máire Nuinseann

Dr Máire Nuinseann enjoys an eclectic career across music genres as a teacher, performer and academic. She has headed Music Education in Marino Institute of Education for many years, teaching music education and integrated arts modules at undergraduate and post graduate levels and leads various music ensembles. As a teacher/music mentor, she has worked in a variety of community contexts including diverse primary school, special needs, secondary school settings. She is currently involved in an online school community Arts project in South County Dublin. Máire was musical director of the National school’s programme Beo Go Deo (1996-2005). Her research interests focus on classroom and instrumental music, also traditional music and integrated arts.

Richard Coady