Sound Pictures Project

Email a Friend Email a friend 

Background

  • Sound Pictures grew out of a previous Early Years Project between the Gallery, Manchester Metropolitan University and Surestart. The research explored the diverse and creative experiences on offer in the Gallery environment.
  • The research developed into a sound element and in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music, Helen Krizos, Assistant Head of Keyboard Studies became involved. Helen established the ‘Music for Kids’ programme for children aged 3 – 8 years.
  • The project was funded by the Oglesby Charitable Trust

Aims

  • To research and develop a new sound/music based workshop that can be part of the Foundation Education Programme, supporting the curriculum
  • To produce a workshop that introduced sound using voice, body and percussion musical instruments, whilst encouraging listening, speaking and singing skills, and responding through drawing and movement
  • To work in partnership with other educational institutions in Manchester, bringing together specialist knowledge and expertise.

Methodology

  • Helen Krizos looked at footage from the previous project undertaken with MMU and observed the Foundation/KS1 Touching Art workshop in order to inform the structure of the new sound -based session
  • Artworks from the permanent collection were selected and cross-curricular content of the workshop devised to enhance and support the Early Learning goals
  • The session was trailed with pupils, teachers/carers and parents from Manchester schools. Their feedback was used to shape and improve the content
  • A sound engineer recorded the activities and created a CD of sound experiences to be taken back to school as a tangible record of their experiences, and used for follow up activities back at school

Outcomes

  • New sessions for children Foundation/KS1, available from the Spring Term can be booked ahead in the future 'Sound Pictures'
  • Connections made with Early Learning Goals, to support the learning in schools
  • Children, teachers and parents were able to experience the gallery environment in a stimulating and fun way, without having prior knowledge of art
  • Cross-curricular ideas were suggested for activities back at school