A summer of Music Making in Reading – University of Reading
06 June 2005
Music lovers are in for a treat this July when some of the world's most exciting and innovative musicians converge on Reading for the annual Summer School of the University's Music teaching in professional practice (Mtpp) programme (1). The Summer School, organised by the University's International Centre for Research in Music Education (ICRME) in partnership with Reading Borough Council, brings together instrumental and vocal teachers from all over the world to share their ideas and practices and study together. A lively schedule of workshops, master classes, concerts, lectures and seminars has been put together that is guaranteed to educate and enthral both music teachers and the general public. In all, eight events open to the public will take place at the University's Bulmershe campus and at Reading Concert Hall between Saturday 16 July and Saturday 23 July. One of the highlights will be a piano recital of pieces by Beethoven, Liszt, Charles Ives and John Corigliano by American pianist James Nalley at Reading Concert Hall on Sunday 17 July. Nalley, who has won many national and international competitions and is Professor of Piano at Florida State University School of Music, will be the Summer School's performer-in-residence. On Thursday 21 July, Professor Nalley will also lead a master class for young pianists with support from the European Piano Teachers' Association. Other events open to the public include Paris-based Tran Quang Hai demonstrating the amazing versatility of the human vocal anatomy in 'The World of the Human Voice' at the University's Bulmershe campus on Tuesday 19 July. The next day will see ensembles from the Thames Valley region performing at the Reading Concert Hall, and the Summer School will reach its climax on Saturday 23 July with a special workshop day for singers of all ages and abilities. As well as the Summer School events, the ICRME has organised a two-day academic research conference on music teaching and learning, entitled 'Musical Creativity', which will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July. Keynote speakers include The University of Sheffield's Dr Jane Davidson, Professor James Nalley, and the composer Peter Wiegold recently appointed Professor of Music at Brunel University, in conversation with Dr Nicholas Bannan, who is Director of the Mtpp programme at ICRME. For further information about the Summer School events (prices vary), the research conference or the Mtpp programme, please contact the University's ICRME: Tel: 0118 378 8843 Email: mtpp@rdg.ac.uk Web: http://www.education.rdg.ac.uk/mtpp End Notes for editors (1) The Music teaching in professional practice (Mtpp) Diploma/Masters courses are designed to provide continuing professional development for instrumental and vocal teachers. The programme introduces students to the nature of reflective practice through examining the teaching and learning of music from a wide variety of perspectives: psychological, anatomical, pedagogical, historical, social and practical. (2) For more information about Mtpp and to see the full programme for the Summer School, please visit http://www.education.rdg.ac.uk/mtpp (3) A digital image and the full transcript of an interview with Professor James Nalley is available for media use upon request. (4) Dr Nicholas Bannan, Director of the Mtpp programme at ICRME and organiser of the Summer School and Research Conference, is available for interview. (5) Members of the media are welcome to attend the Summer School public events. To confirm attendance and for other media enquiries, please contact Craig Hillsley, The University of Reading's press officer: T: 0118 378 7388 E: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk