Practical Classroom Tech: Whole class tech

Whole class music-making has long been a significant part of music learning from Orff to Suzuki and beyond. Programmes such as whole class ensemble tuition – also known as WCET, first access and, previously, Wider Opportunities – and Musical Futures’ Just Play, are good examples of methods which are approach-based or resource-led. There have always been common aims threaded throughout ensemble practice: to learn to play a musical instrument and to learn through playing a musical instrument.

While most resources come at a cost, some approaches rely on paying to train teachers to deliver music learning. However, as much of the success of whole class music learning depends on the teacher, the extent to which technology can play a supporting role in the delivery of whole class ensemble teaching and beyond depends on the context in which the teacher is working and the needs of the students they are working with.