Amplify
How do international artists influence change in music education?
Artists Leading Change in Education
International artists are vital for change in music education. They use the world's stages, roles in major institutions and their influence to put music and arts education on the agenda, campaign for social justice or bring inspiration to schools and communities. Some go further. They are deeply invested changemakers leading projects on the ground that address education and opportunity gaps. AIM seeks to partner with and promote pioneering artists and artist-led initiatives as part of our commitment to young people's unlimited artistry.
AIM:Ilumina 2021
An incredible collaboration between AIM and Ilumina Music, an artist-led program investing in diverse talent and leadership, which explored the power of the chamber dynamic to help young people and teachers stretch their artistry, agency and community co-creation. Directed by concert violist and Ilumina director Jennifer Stumm and co-led with concert violinist Tai Murray.
'Be a butterfly in someone's life'
Joseph Conyers, founder of Project 440 and associate principal bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra made an inspirational keynote speech to our Firebird Fellows of 2020-21. AIM loves the clear connections that Project 440 cultivates between music and how young people get ready for life - both as individuals and community change makers. And now we hear Joseph has pear jam made from his family garden to raise funds for the project he founded - sweet.
Marin Alsop analyses Beethoven with Firebird Fellows
In the height of the 2020 pandemic, a year in which musicians around the world found inventive ways to still mark the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, renowned conductor Marin Alsop took time to meet our Firebird Fellows from her home. Online, the trainee teachers participated in a memorable score analysis master class with Marin, exploring the artistry of Beethoven's iconic 9th Symphony. ‘Enough, let’s change the tone,' said Marin of Beethoven's change to the original text - this has become an AIM strapline - many thanks to Marin and to Ludwig!
The AIM Posture Project
The AIM Posture Project was created by concert violist Jennifer Stumm, Director of Ilumina, in response to concerns about young people's physical health in and beyond music-making. Jennifer galvanised a team of outstanding international artists representing many of the major instruments found in a symphony orchestra, to create video clips modelling healthy posture, techniques and exercises to minimise strains and facilitate artistry. These clips are easy to understand and follow by students and teachers, even those without technical expertise.
