Karen Kyriakou

Session 1.6: Connect & Engage. Inclusive aural activities for the string class

Session: There are many advantages to implementing aural-based games and creative activities in the string class and ensemble; they increase student enjoyment and interaction, they allow students to improve their aural skills by responding to ‘off the page’ stimuli, and they help to develop students’ musical intuition, therefore acquiring higher levels of independence on their instrument. In time, students themselves can lead these games and activities, allowing peer-to-peer learning to occur — another rich learning opportunity for everyone.

Aural skills are fundamental music skills for every student. Creative exploration can be prioritised in the string class as a key tool for enhanced engagement and confidence in young musicians. Such activities also encourage students to develop independent compositional and improvisational skills, and also offer ‘brain-break’ opportunities. Activities in this session will all be aural-based, and will encompass elements of composing, arranging, improvisation, technical work, and ensemble skills.

Karen Kyriakou is an Australian educator, composer and violinist, who’s work is underpinned by music’s capacity to unite and inspire. She works broadly in music education, with students from kindergarten to tertiary level. Karen holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters of Music Education.

With over 25 years experience, Karen is renowned for her innovative approach to music education. She is the author of teachers manuals ‘Strings Together’ and ‘Band Together’, and is in demand as a presenter and workshop facilitator with many of Australia’s leading arts organisations, and regularly delivers professional learning seminars to teachers.

Karen is an Artist in Residence in schools for children with diverse needs. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2012 to further her studies in the area of Music and the Deaf.

A staunch advocate of lifelong learning, Karen regularly presents at industry conferences, championing creative music making and inclusive music education. Karen serves as a long-time member of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA).