Technology who’d use it...

Well it is the 1^st week in August, I'm enjoying a nice cup of tea and the sun is shining [the office fan is broken – but never mind- they usually give me a cricked neck anyway].  

I am busily editing some video clips from our recent early years course – Moving On [link just in case you want to check it out] http://www.musicleader.net/content.asp?CategoryID=1523

After what seems like days of trying to find some appropriate software to convert the video files, so that I can top and tail them in Movie Maker!  Dorothy very kindly put me out of my misery and pointed me in the direction of Prism Video File converter- THANKS.

Now I’m not one to get greatly excited about software – BUT – I am now a complete fan of this very handy tool, in fact I can’t really praise it enough!   I am no longer feeling the urge to scream and shout at my computer, which is a massive improvement, I think Emma is also delighted – not with the software moreover the fact that she no longer has to put up with my video related grumblings  J

Harmony is restored - all thanks to a quick download!

So my tip of the day has got to be this http://www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html

Best

Erika  

Erika’s Blog- Job hunting

Well hello all MLWM members, apparently the longest days of the year are upon us – pity a bit more sun is not on the menu!
In light of that, I thought it might offer the perfect opportunity for me to dedicate that extra time to some job searching for you guys – so here is the result.   

All of these jobs have been uploaded MLWM website – do check them out the close – as a few close tomorrow & in the next few days.  Click here for direct the link ML jobs in West Midlands

Enjoy,

Erika

Job　Title	Employer	Closing Date
Early Years Music Practitioner	Hillfields Childrens Centre	24/06/2011
Production Director	Lichfield Mysteries	24/06/2011
Head of Hospitality & Catering	mac	24/06/2011
Early Years Music Practitioner	Hillfields Childrens Centre	24/06/2011
Adult Education Tutor - Guitar	Coventry City Council	24/06/2011
Adult Education Tutor - Singing	Coventry City Council	24/06/2011
World Shakespeare Festival Communications Officer	Royal Shakespeare Company	27/06/2011
3 workshop leaders	3Hs - Heart Matters	27/06/2011
Customer Service Assistants	THSH	27/06/2011
SEN Music Teacher	Randstad Education	28/06/2011
Music Teacher	ITN Mark Education Birmingham	30/06/2011
Cultural Intern Scheme	Birmingham City Council	30/06/2011
Summer Music Festivals - Safety Stewards and Security Stewards	G4S Events	30/06/2011
Music Tutors	Henley in Arden High School	30/06/2011
Teacher of Music	St Thomas More Catholic School	01/07/2011
Freelance Evaluator Opportunity	Making Moves II	01/07/2011
Music Tutors: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Guitar	Stratford upon Avon High School	04/07/2011
Research Development Officer (Arts Impact)	University of Warwick - Research Support Services	04/07/2011
Development Manager (Trust and Foundations)	Performances Birmingham Ltd	04/07/2011
Early Years Music Leader	Munchkin Melodies	08/07/2011

Erika’s Blog spot – A Question For You...

So now MLWM has matrix accreditation– what next?? This is indeed the question which I am currently asking myself.... 

It struck me, reading our Matrix report, just how much our service users really value the service we provide.  I don’t think I really understood just how much people appreciate us, and it was a greatly humbling experience for both Emma and myself,  that not only did so many of you guys willingly turn up to say nice things about us, but what you said wasn’t just nice – it was a genuine and honest review of your engagement with us.  I am very conscious that we are particularly good in the MLWM office at just ploughing on with delivering the MLWM programme.  We are not particularly fond of blowing our own trumpet, [excuse the bad jokes!]  We’d rather be facilitating and enabling you guys to blow yours really well.    

However, with all the changes to funding taking place in the UK at the moment, and the more general economic challenge facing us all, we are really aware that we need to get better at letting folks know what we do really well.  Which we hope is to deliver quality support services for music leaders across the region.  So  a question from the MLWM team...  we would really love to know your personal experience:

What has been the impact on you as a music leader, as a result of your involvement with MLWM? 

You can let us know any way you like – email, telephone, facebook, twitter – whatever suits you best. In true music leader style, you could even put it all down in a song... (though a tweet is just as welcome!) 

Erika, 1st June 2011

Do you feel all out at sea? In need of some support? Then read on...

I have just opened a letter from EMQC who have sent us our Matrix accreditation certificate through for our Information, Advice & Guidance services J 

So I thought this might be a perfect time to get the old brain into gear and start thinking about what IAG really means for you guys... 

Well themes a few options available- all of them are accredited – so you can be sure that all our services are professional and delivered to a very high standard.

But the really great news is that they are fantastic value for money [and thanks to Youth Music – really heavily subsidised- just for MusicLeader members] so do make sure you take advantage of our services!!!!

So here’s the low down:

Coaching - not only is our service accredited – but so is our coach!

50 minute session or a series of sessions are available to  achieve a specific professional result- this is the ultimate ‘me’ time treat. 

We provide clients with a confidential opportunity to focus on a very specific professional issue, challenge or situation. Areas for discussion might be around professional development, leadership, communication, problem solving and decision-making.   Sessions cost £10 for members, and £25 for non members

However if you’re looking to set yourself up with a fully loaded action plan to progress your career – then a DNA is perfect for you.  Sessions cost £30 for members, and £60 for non-members.

Our other services include our free drop in sessions and our group Start Up sessions.

Just give us a bell [0121 446 3234]  or email us on

west-midlands@musicleader.net to book your session.

Erika

Monday Madness

Welcome to world of MLWM on this fine & sunny day! Only a short one today – I promise.  It struck me last Thursday, whilst I was listening to one of our early years presentations, how fantastic it is to listen to & be inspired by some fantastic music practitioners.  Em & I are very fortunate here at ML HQ as we do get to do that on a regular basis. 

We had over 80 people join MLWM & WCC early years team for a day of all things early years and all things music.  Thanks to all that attended, particularly our workshop leaders, Dr. Alyson Street, Sandra Barefoot & Sarah Moody, & Jenny Goddard – for some fantastic interactive workshops!  Also to our speakers Dr. Susan Young and Dr Alex Lamont.

There are loads of things I will take away from the day – but a few things have stuck in my mind

• Do we actually need words to tell stories – or can we just let the music do the talking?!
• That everyone needs an ideas basket and some stretchy lycra for teddy trampolining- hey this is something everyone should try!

Some great web links/ useful thoughts 

•  http://education.exeter.ac.uk/music-one2one/
• speech contours - Anne Fernald
• the ripping newspaper exercise for babies and parents

Thanks guys!

Erika

International Women’s day & Pancakes!

I really don’t need any excuse for pancakes – jam & ice-cream are sounding good to me!  Anyway here are a few things that caught my eye today.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day for 2011 is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women”. Thinking about this in relation to our work, if we remove the word ‘science’ then the theme is entirely fitting in terms of the aims and objectives of the MusicLeader programme. Equal access to professional development is vital to ensure we are able to keep our approach music making activity with children and young people fresh and creative! Let us know your thoughts...

On another note, the PRS Foundation has launched a new grant today to coincide with international women's day, its called “Women Make Music” The maximum you can apply for is £5000.

Finally back to those pancakes – I just read this how to guide – I might give this a go this evening – last time I made pancakes they ended up rather stodgy... here are some filling suggestions just in case - Enjoy!

Erika

words words words

Spent this morning pulling together a review of our IAG services  some cool images came out of it!!

If you have not used wordle – then check it out - its very cool 

thanks Bym for the heads up