Mohand Al Ashram's Innovative Music Teaching Method in Gaza Using Drone Sounds: History and Impact on Children's Learning
1. Introduction
- Mohand Al Ashram, a Palestinian singer and Oud player, is based in Gaza, where music education faces numerous challenges due to socio-political and economic conditions.
- Amidst the adversity, Al Ashram employs an innovative approach to teach music, using the sound of Israeli drones as a means to educate children in his class.
2. Background and Historical Context
- Prior to Al Ashram’s method, music education in Gaza was limited by traditional teaching methods and the influence of cultural and environmental factors.
3. Development of the Drone Sound Method
- Drone sounds, sustained tones that provide a harmonic base, are used by Al Ashram to teach fundamental musical concepts.
- He adapted this technique to create a unique approach, integrating local and traditional musical elements with drones.
- Al Ashram utilises technology and accessible instruments to create the drone sounds.
4. The Pedagogical Approach
- Al Ashram's method facilitates ear training, pitch recognition, and rhythm for children by using the drone sounds.
- The interactive teaching style encourages children to participate actively in creating and listening to continuous drones.
- This approach benefits children’s musical intuition and improvisational skills.
- The method is adaptable for different age groups and skill levels.
5. Impact on Children’s Learning
- The children in Al Ashram’s class have shown improvements in concentration, listening skills, and musical memory.
- The method creates a calming, immersive learning environment, with psychological effects on the students.
- Success stories and testimonials from students and parents attest to the effectiveness of the method.
- The approach contributes to preserving Palestinian musical heritage.
6. Broader Educational and Social Impact
- Al Ashram’s work expands access to music education in Gaza’s challenging environment.
- The method encourages creativity and resilience in children facing adversity.
- It has potential for replication in other resource-limited areas.
- Local and international organizations provide support for Al Ashram’s work.
7. Challenges and Future Directions
- Technical and infrastructural challenges are faced in implementing the drone method.
- Plans for incorporating more technology and multimedia tools are underway.
- Aspirations for wider dissemination and documentation of the method are high.
- Potential collaborations with global music education initiatives are being considered.
8. Conclusion
- Mohand Al Ashram’s innovative approach to music education in Gaza demonstrates the power of creativity and resilience in difficult circumstances.
- His work underscores the importance of culturally sensitive and adaptable teaching methods in nurturing artistic potential.
- The video shared online on 14 January 2025, which shows Al Ashram's classroom with the sound of a drone in the background, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of music and the human will to learn and create amidst adversity.
School teacher from Palestine incorporates drone noises in his lessons, captured in a chilling video featuring school children.
Education-and-self-development: Mohand Al Ashram's unique method of music education in Gaza, which utilizes drone sounds, enhances children's musical intuition, improvisational skills, and overall learning abilities, serving as a prime example of self-development in challenging socio-political environments.
Education-and-self-development: The success of Al Ashram's approach not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader goal of preserving and nurturing Palestinian musical heritage, making it a significant contribution to education and self-development in the region.
