The APC (Arts Performance Centre) in Tsumeb is a small oasis in northern Namibia where various art forms come together and are passed on. Every day, up to 400 children and young people are trained in various art forms, including art, dance and music. In addition to promoting the holistic development of young people in the region, the APC also makes a valuable contribution to violence prevention and to the community of the town of Tsumeb.
The project envisages a long-term stay of one month at the APC for students and lecturers from the field of music education at the ZHdK. The students can teach the teachers and pupils at the APC on a specific instrument to further develop their skills. Support in theory lessons for teachers is also very welcome. The aim is to develop music teaching together, so that new methods can be introduced and tried out. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to learn from the APC teachers and to make music and dance together with them. The connection to the APC through ZHdK alumna Eva Bamert (MA Elementary Music Education) guarantees the best possible integration into the regional educational context and socio-cultural conditions and is of great value to students and lecturers alike.
Methods
In the practice of Elementary Music Education (EME), cultural diversity plays a fundamental and important role. Respectful treatment of intercultural circumstances is committed to an appreciative attitude. Questions of cultural appropriation have therefore been carefully considered within the community for some time.
This project also promotes this awareness among students. One aspect of the preparation will therefore be to intensify this discourse. In addition, various methods for designing co-creation processes in artistic and international contexts will be practised with the entire group as preparation.
Conclusion
PPME (Pre-Primary Music Education) requires creative professionals who work with local teachers to discuss, plan, implement and evaluate lessons. An exchange of experiences in the field of elementary music education is very important, as this programme is relatively new to APC. Teachers should also be allowed to take on the role of observers in order to benefit from the students.