Ryan Daniel

Self-assessment in performance

This paper examines the issue of self-assessment of music performance and the role of the learner in this process, with particular reference to the Australian context. Initially, traditional methods of assessment of music performance are discussed and references made to alternative methodologies in action. Following this, the rationale for and structure of a new method of self-critical assessment is outlined. The initial trial is discussed along with the evaluative questionnaire. The resultant data are then analysed and discussed, as are the implications for adopting and/or developing this method.

Peer assessment in musical performance: the development, trial and evaluation of a methodology for the Australian tertiary environment

This article outlines the development and trial of peer assessment procedures for implementation within a music performance context in the Australian tertiary environment. An overview of the literature on peer assessment is presented, followed by reference to specific trials of peer assessment within a tertiary music student context. The paper then presents the rationale for and methodology applied in developing two forms of peer assessment of music performance, for trial across one academic year. Student evaluation data obtained via mid- and end-of-year questionnaires are analysed and discussed, as are implications for further research.

Exploring Music Instrument Teaching and Learning Environments: Video Analysis as a Means of Elucidating Process and Learning Outcomes.

This article outlines the methods developed to engage in a detailed investigation of video footage of piano teaching, involving advanced students in both one-to-one and small-group settings. The paper presents the research to date in the field of musical instrument teaching, considers various challenges associated with video footage analysis, and defines the methods followed in engaging in an in-depth analysis of approximately 97 minutes of recorded material. The results highlight various key differences between the learning activities and experiences undertaken by the students involved in the various lessons, and which propose a number of directions for researchers and practitioners in the field of music instrument teaching and learning.

Innovations in piano teaching: a small‐group model for the tertiary level

This article outlines the rationale for and development of a small group piano teaching approach for application in the higher education environment. The influences on and the rationale for current preferences in the piano teaching field are considered, prior to an investigation of the literature, which reveals a number of issues of concern in relation to the efficacies and efficiencies of existing practices. Reflections obtained during in‐depth interviews are then analysed to create a view of the current state of piano teaching. Questionnaire data obtained from tutors who engage in advanced student group‐teaching are also examined. The development of the small group structure and learning environment is subsequently outlined, as is evaluation data gathered from participating students over the 4‐year trial. The paper concludes by discussing a number of implications and possible directions for instrumental teaching at the tertiary level.This article outlines the rationale for and development of a small group piano teaching approach for application in the higher education environment. Initially, the influences on and rationale for current preferences in the piano teaching field is considered, prior to an investigation of the literature, which reveals a number of issues of concern in relation to the efficacies and efficiencies of existing practices. Reflections obtained during in-depth interviews are then analysed to create a view of the current state of piano teaching. Questionnaire data obtained from pedagogues who engage in advanced student group teaching is also examined. The development of the small group structure and learning environment is subsequently outlined, as is evaluation data gathered from participating students over the four year trial. The paper concludes by proposing a number of implications and possible directions for instrumental teaching at the tertiary level.

Enhancing the transition from study to work: Reflections on the value and impact of internships in the creative and performing arts

In the international higher education environment there is evidence of continuing growth and interest in creative and performing arts programs. While there is similar growth in the creative industries sector where these students will seek to develop a career, as well as further validation of the importance of creativity in the future workplace, ongoing challenges remain for educators in attempting to create a smooth and effective transition for artists who rarely follow a typical linear career path. This article overviews an initial research project which seeks to investigate the value and impact of industry-based internships in the creative and performing arts, involving a sample of graduates and industry employers from a regional area of northern Australia. The findings suggest that while internships offer a range of benefits for students and employers, there are significant challenges and issues which not only affect current practice but require additional research and investigation.

Career Development and Creative Arts Students: An Investigation into the Effectiveness of Career Theory and WIL Experiences on Practice.

This case study focuses on the implementation of a professional studies subject at a regional Australian institution of higher education. This subject, established in order to foster the development of links to graduate destinations, creative networks and employment out comes, involves a curriculum that is underpinned by several career theories. Students are exposed to career development theory, after which they are required to reflect on and communicate to their peers the manner in which they both engage with and put in practice the key tenets of these theories in both an overarching career plan and through industry-focused activities. This case study provides direct evidence of the manner in which the students relate to and engage with career concepts, career theory and work-integrated learning.

Building the northern Australia vision through creative industries: the case of Cairns in far north Queensland

This article focuses on the creative industries sector in the regional city of Cairns in far north Queensland, Australia. Renowned for its international reputation as a tourist destination, Cairns is a key urban centre relevant to the current federal governments vision to develop the vast geographical area of northern Australia. Using data obtained via surveys and follow-up explanatory interviews with a sample of practitioners working in the field, this article seeks to identify the potential ways in which the creative industries sector in Cairns might play a stronger role in relation to the vision for northern Australia. The findings point to the potential to explore and develop new opportunities and partnerships with other sectors of the Cairns economy, including education/training and tourism. In addition, evidence points to the need for strong leadership within the sector and in combination with other areas of the economy, so that the potential contribution of Cairns to the northern Australia vision might be strengthened.

Developing a regional economy through creative industries: innovation capacity in a regional Australian city

ABSTRACT Creative industries are driving economic growth across the world with their employment of innovation methodologies, including Co-creation and Design Thinking, which has spawned disruptive but beneficial business models. Creative industries are, therefore, cross-pollinating their ideas within other business sectors, primarily in major urban areas. This study examined whether those same innovation methodologies are used and can grow a regional economy, specifically in Townsville, Australia. Surveys and interviews were employed to gauge local business demand for creative industries services and also the creative industries sectors’ understanding of human-centred innovation methodologies and the potential for their use. Survey and interview results indicate confusion about the specifics of innovation methodologies – particularly in engaging with the end-users of services – but there is a general support for their use in the wider business community. Interviews with business owners highlighted a willingness to engage with regional creative industries, but concerns were raised about the affordability of such business services when compared to services offered in major urban centres. The findings propose that there is strong potential for creative industries to grow a regional economy, in this case Townsville in northern Australia, but only if the creative sector markets itself better to the wider business community.

Regional creative industries in Australia: Exploring Townsville as a case study

ABSTRACT While the creative industries concept is generally well recognized in Australia, regional creative industries have received less attention. This is particularly the case in terms of north-east Australia, which is geographically isolated from the major metropolitan centres. The regional tropical city of Townsville, its economy dominated by government services including a major defence base, is considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland and recognized as a key part of the economic growth plan for the state and nation. The creative industries in this location, however, are yet to be examined in any depth, hence this article reflects a first phase study to explore key features of the sector and the participants involved. Data was obtained through a survey completed by 84 creative industries stakeholders. The findings are significant, including a clear lack of engagement with key government and stakeholder policies, numerous identified opportunities for strategic partnerships with other economic sectors, as well as the potential role of key leadership groups and stakeholders in terms of further growth and development.

Creativity in the ‘Torrid’ zone: policy, creative industries and the vision for Northern Australia

Creative industries are recognised as a key driver of economic growth in both developed and developing nations. In addition to recognising the importance of creative industries, the Australian government has recently renewed a focus on the vast northern tropical area of this island nation as key to future economic and population growth, via the release of a white paper focussed on development options for the north. However, the white paper contains virtually no references to creative industries. In addition, Australia’s most recent national cultural policy, Creative Australia, has after only a few years slipped into obscurity and despite major resources being invested towards its development. Drawing on the almost 100 years of policy documentation relevant to Northern Australia, this paper highlights the limited attention paid to arts, culture and creative industries, and considers this relative policy vacuum in the context of global developments in creative industries.