Contributed by Director of Visual and Performing Arts Matthew Neylon
In the spring of 2017, a parent told me about a music studio in the area that reminded them a lot of Mount Vernon. This parent explained the studio focused on student voice & choice, innovative teaching methods, teaching students recording and mixing skills, and learning in a way that really focused on the brain.
A few weeks later, I was sitting down with Adam Carder, owner and mastermind behind Meta Music Education, who explained his desire to reimagine music education that was truly effective and student centered. We decided to run an experiment called βBrain Jamβ where a trial group of 16 students in Grade 6 would have the opportunity to learn keyboard and drums by writing and recording original music.
Adam and I dreamt of an experience that would help teach melody, harmony, and rhythm through a unique approach of reading and writing music. We learned a lot in 2017-18 and reiterated with more Grade 6 classes in 2018-19. Today, Meta Music brings in multiple instructors every week and by the end of the year, they will have worked with all 170 Grade 6&8 students to create original music, learn to mix/record tracks and build foundational instrumental skills.
Partners like Meta Music Education have been critical in delivering our promise of real-world, industry-grade education. Through classes Like Brain Jam, students are able to work with recording artists and musicians to learn the Music Industry from practicing professionals. We are already in discussions to see how we can expand and improve this program for the next school year.
Meta Music Education is a truly innovative music education experience that canβt be found anywhere else in the world. Anchored by a project-based curriculum, our students are encouraged to write, record, and play music from the very first day. Lessons are built around the interests, personality, and learning style of each student in order to unlock their creative potential, a far cry from traditional methods. By developing a deep understanding of music, it is common for Meta Music students to learn multiple instruments while becoming proficient with engineering and production. At any age, this immersion into the language of music unlocks the profound neurological and therapeutic benefits of music and self-expression in a way that canβt be found anywhere else in the world.
For more information about lessons and summer opportunities visit www.MetaMusicEducation.com.
