In the course of the early noughties, Dave and I began trying to square the circle on the motion, expression, body, music angle by starting to look at dance. The following paper was presented at the: International Conference, Practical, Psychological, Philosophical and Educational Issues, in Musical Performance, 14-17 September 2005, Escola Superior de Educaçao, Porto – Portugal And was the result [...]
Published in a special edition of the German Encyclopaedia of Neuroscience, this next nugget is a short article on rhythm. It brings together a few of my lines of thought on rhythm. The way we create rhythm underpins all human action. This article examines this notion in the context of music therapy and how rhythm [...]
Now a chapter written with the magnificent Professor Colwyn Trevarthen, an inspiring font of knowledge and theory in Human Communicative Musicality. Colwyn was my Phd Supervisor, and is a mentor still. This chapter brings to life many of our discussions over what seems like too many years. Once of the key additions here is the [...]
Just received and tested a cheap USB 2.0 ACTIVE REPEATER CABLE – Which in layman’s terms is an extesnion for Skoog that can be as long as you wish! This was a 5m version and it works perfectly – http://www.cables-leads.co.uk/active-usb-2-0-extension-cable-high-speed-a-a-male-to-female-5m Only £9.59 which when you look at other suppliers like lindy or maplin is [...]
Here the ideas develop further both in terms of theories about Rhythm but also in the impact in Mother infant research. I kind of wish I had thought of the Kenny Rogers / Dolly reference when I wrote this – as the idea of moments of synchrony as ‘islands in the stream’ is I think [...]
The study of music as an act of communication, examining how musicians interact musically and creatively, provides us with a unique means of observing how we co-ordinate our behaviour, and thinking, with those around us. In particular, the assessment of skills that improvising jazz musicians employ to communicate musical ideas, and consequently to co-ordinate those ideas in a coherent musical structure, [...]
There have been so many people and disciplines involved in inspiring, creating and supporting our work at Skoog. And we are often asked about the journey that lead us to where we are now. I have decided to start a trail of Academic ‘Nuggets’ form my own perspective that illustrate some of the psychology and [...]
So for a while now we have been looking at different alternatives for mounting the Skoog. The diverse range of abilities, needs and playing styles has always meant that this was a rather tall order. Another factor that always comes into play is expense. But I think we have found a method that will suit [...]
I am delighted to say we managed to catch up with our old friend and mentor Ian Ritchie, director of the City of London Festival , about Skoog being involved in this years festival. It looks like there will be a couple of events on the 6th and 7th of July. We are hoping for a [...]
I have been sadly remiss in recent months about blogging… But Have made a resolution to make proper use of this platform. Both for supporting musical skoogy issues but also to talk more widely about education, children, parenting and such…. On that note I was recently forwarded a link to http://www.kid-in.net/about/ An online magazine that” is [...]
It has been a busy couple of months at Skoog HQ- with a Launch in Hong kong thrown into the mix. I hope to get my blog up date with some posts on what we have been up to over the past few months just as soon as I can – but in the meantime [...]
Came across this great project the other day - ELEMENTAL MAGAZINE. Elemental is a media company that is going against the grain of standard news. They are using their website and digital magazines as platforms to showcase positive stories, and promote cause based businesses, charities, and individuals who are actively helping others. By publishing these unheard stories they are [...]
‘Oh GOSH, there’s a Skoog loose in the Hospital’ Great Ormond Street Hospital wins innovative musical invention from the University of Edinburgh. Young patients at the renowned children’s hospital are about to get to grips with the viola-clari-banjo-flugelhorn-guitar-drum. Or the Skoog for short. (Skoog video here: http://www.skoogmusic.com/learn/demo/SkoogDoc) Invented at the University of Edinburgh the Skoog [...]
Great little video showing Skoog being used with Trabasack . Here the Skoog player is exploring the midi tom instrument on the Skoog. The trabasack has had a real positive impact for this pupil in terms of accessing the Skoog and giving him more independence when using the Skoog. Thanks to Duncan Edwards fro [...]
This video of the P5 assembly performance at Glaitness school has put a smile on my face today. Great work everyone. This is inclusive music making in action with the Skoog sitting comfortably with acoustic instruments in a group performance. I must say I am really rather proud. Well done to everyone again, and thanks [...]
