EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY COLLECTION OF HISTORIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

EUCHMI Education Project

EUCHMI Education Project Aims & Objectives

The Project will focus on increasing access to two internationally famous museums of historic musical instruments. EUCHMI ranks among the world's most important collections of musical heritage. All the main types of musical sound-making device are represented, and are presented to the public in two museums. These museums were the first University museums in Scotland to receive MLA Accreditation in 2006, and Recognition in 2007. The c 3000 objects in the permanent collection constitute a rich research resource of both breadth and depth, and include many historically typical models of musical instruments spanning over 500 years together with prized rare and unique items. The instruments are supplemented by an archive of original materials, working papers and a sound archive. The Collection as a whole attracts researchers from far and wide and is an extensively cited resource in international scholarship. However, the potential for other audiences is largely untapped at present. Through developing and implementing an Education Programme, it is our aim to exploit this potential by increasing access to, understanding of, and involvement in, the Collection. We aim to do this through employing a Learning & Access Officer to interpret the Collection in a range of ways from demonstrating and explaining the scientific aspects of music to drop-in hands-on sessions for parent and toddlers to guided experience sessions for pianists to play early keyboard instruments. The benefits to the teaching of the school curriculum in particular are not limited to the study of music, as imaginative and education links can be made with other elements including Art and Design, Citizenship, People in the Past and Science, Technology and Environmental Studies.

EUCHMI Education Project Funding

The EUCHMI Education Project is supported financially for the period 2008-2011 by the University of Edinburgh, The Heritage Lottery Fund, the Russell Trust, the Sir Nicholas Shackleton Fund, and the Friends of St Cecilia's Hall & Museum.

Pilot Project

A pilot education project "Blow Your Own Trumpet" involving Edinburgh schools was funded by the Scottish Museums Council. The pilot project was carried out by Emily Peppers and Eugenia Mitroulia in 2007. See the Case Study report.

Link to Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments

Link to St Cecilia's Hall Museum of Instruments

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This page updated: 28.6.08