This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Learning a music instrument has been scientifically proven to improve social, creative and cognitive powers of individuals. Music education is one of the skills being emphasized in the new school curriculum that lays emphasis on practical abilities.
Just this week, early childhood learners to high school students have been showcasing their best talents during the annual Kenya National Music Festival.
Now, an innovative music education concept that has worked in several countries around the world is being introduced in Kenya this year.
EC-Play, which stands for “Everyone Can Play” was developed in Norway to change early stage music education.
The programme has proved effective in nurturing confidence and motivation in students in Norway, where it was first developed to other parts of Europe including Poland and the UK.
The app is fun and makes learning of music instruments, from guitars to violin, piano to drums, a joyous experience for children.
It uses chord stickers available for download inside the app and a colour code system that enables an individual to learn an instrument in the shortest time possible.
Each instrument has an individual set of chord stickers that enable the learner to master that instrument by playing different songs through their melodic hooks and chord patterns.
Even the teaching of music has been simplified such that even tutors with no background of playing instruments can use the colour code to teach music.
EC-Play was founded by Jostein Skare, a Norwegian entrepreneur whose background is in the international trade of musical instruments.
The app developers will hold workshops and master classes in Nairobi this year involving music educators, artists and young learners.
The app can be downloaded on both Google Play and Apple Store with a freemium (basic) version available at no fee while payment is required for the license of the advanced EC-Play.
