Les robot-franco-zarts

TEAM MEMBERS 

Dominic (Grade 4), Mila (Grade 4), Patrick (Grade 4), Ayden (Grade 4), Alex (Grade 5), Madeline (Grade 6), Hagan (Grade 6)

INNOVATION PROJECT

What We Know

Music is an integral part of what makes us happy, healthy and whole. The first musical instruments were invented over 40 000 years ago by prehistoric people. Many of the instruments we play today were invented over 5 000 years ago. Research has shown that music, and in particular playing music, makes your brain fitter and livelier. Music education has been linked to increased creativity, self-esteem and self-discipline in students. 

Problem Statement

While it is widely accepted that arts education is essential to students’ intellectual, social, physical and emotional well-being, not all students have access to a quality music education. Recent reports have shown wide inequities all over the world in music education, from one jurisdiction to another and even within the same jurisdiction. Music funding, instructional space, timetable pressures, availability of specialist teachers and teacher insecurity have been linked to this growing global problem of music education inequality. 

Among our team members, 100% of us have learned to play a musical instrument and for 6 of 7 of us, that instrument was the piano. Surprisingly, none of us have learned to play the piano at school and none of us have regular music classes in our schools. Music is a life-enhancing activity! We believe all children should be able to learn to play an instrument, regardless of economic background, geographical location or ability. How can we address this global problem of music education inequality in a fun and creative way? 

Solution Statement

Our solution will address the inequities of music education in schools by providing a low-cost, durable, portable and inclusive keyboard that, when connected to a computer screen, produces a vivid and dynamic visual arts show. By using the technology and furniture already available in classrooms, and by combining the foundational concepts of music and visual arts in a new and creative way, our solution will make arts education accessible to all. Students of all ages and abilities will be able to inquire, innovate, create and communicate in sound and colour like never before!