ENRICHING PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH MUSIC. With today’s students being regarded as digital natives - having grown up using computers, the internet, video games, iPads and apps - it is without a doubt that technology in music education has become an essential part of a contemporary pedagogical approach to music learning. Driven by a singular mission: ‘Enrich people’s lives through music’, the Ear Academy, an online music teaching resource is revolutionising music education and empowering schools with tech enabled resources that enable students to embrace the joy of music while fostering their development. With a uniquely holistic approach, hundreds of hours and pages of teaching and learning resources, as well as an interface that indulges students’ curiosity and encourages self-directed learning, Ear Academy has been helping to teach music fully, richly, broadly and deeply since 2020. “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to providing innovative tools that bridge the gap between traditional teaching and modern technology. Our platform offers a rich and diverse array of learning facets, encouraging students to immerse themselves in music, just as they would in language acquisition or sports. We recognise that music isn’t just about reading notes; it’s about feeling the rhythm, understanding nuances, and expressing emotions through instruments,” says Ear Academy founder and CEO, Rus Nerwich. 22
Their well-researched and proven method embraces both infantile and explicit learning, allowing students to develop not only technical skills but also a deep musical intuition. By offering features like shedding sessions and interactive exercises, the Ear Academy’s edu-tech solution provides teachers with an incredible teaching resource, enabling students to be supported and progress at their own pace, while building a strong foundation. In addition, they also empower educators by providing them with a comprehensive toolkit to guide their teaching approach. Their philosophy encourages teachers to facilitate rather than dictate, creating an environment where students actively engage and develop a personal connection with music. Through their edu-tech solution, educators can offer personalised instruction, monitor progress, and inspire a love for music that lasts a lifetime. In essence, their mission in South Africa is to spark a transformative change in music education, harnessing the potential of technology to create fearless and creative musicians. By merging the art of music with modern educational tools, they aim to equip learners with skills that transcend mere notes on a page, nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the language of music. A student-centred philosophy Unlike conventional methods that historically focused heavily on cerebral learning and rigid structures, the Ear Academy emphasises a student-centred philosophy, allowing learners
This article was written by Nokubongwa Gwala (Nokubongwa@wesgro.co.za)
