Two stories in this month's MT share an internationalist and humanitarian perspective, providing testimony, too, to the selfless dedication of music teachers. New MT writer Iryna Gould gives a first-hand account of teachers and staff providing relief to children in war-torn Ukraine. Her organisation, Voice for Ukraine UK, brings hope to those facing unimaginable daily trauma. Chris Nicholson, meanwhile, reports on the work of Musicians Without Borders in Myanmar, collaborating with a local jazz club in helping survivors of the country's devastating earthquakes. Both stories remind us of the individual and collective difference music can make even in extreme conditions.
Another first-time contributor this issue is Joan-Albert Serra, who provides a helpful digest of recent research into major challenges for music education, among them Artificial Intelligence, European cultural hierarchy, and thinking of music as ‘industry’. There is also Nico Bentley's discussion of form and musical development in electronic music – if seeking a new angle – complete with vocabulary and listening examples, and in a major scoop we have an interview with composer Christopher Norton, who, on the back of a major award, is willing to share the backstory to Microjazz, his highly successful piano series.
As its main focus, MT this month is percussion-bound, however, with contributions from five specialist teachers. Respectively, Andy Gleadhill and Anne Templer bring their experience to bear in discussing percussion in early years settings and teaching left-handed players, and expert drummers Adam Osmianski and James Sharp offer thoughts on the latest developments for drum kit and which method books deserve our greatest attention. Charlotte Treadaway, meanwhile, investigates the influence of YouTube in teaching and learning, and whether it's ally or foe.
As it's the end of term and academic year, I'd like to thank all of MT's contributors this year, from cartoonist Harry Venning to the writers I cajole on a daily basis, and from staffers Maggie Hamilton and David Kettle to the editorial advisers, who give their time freely.
Here's wishing you a relaxing summer wherever you're headed.
