Music education for the masses . . . University of Otago performance piano student Jaroslav Novak has won an AMP Regional Scholarship to develop a website designed to teach the rudiments of music theory. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Jaroslav Novak (21) is the founder of Virtuoso Online - a website accessible at Mewzet.com - which is designed to teach the rudiments of musical theory, incorporating all the interactivity that software enables.
The performance piano honours student said interactivity was the key to success because it "lowered the borders'' financially and geographically.
"This website will give every New Zealand child an equal opportunity to play classical music by making music education accessible to all.''
Inspiration for the initiative came from his own pupils' dislike of learning theory, he said.
"I was trying to teach theory to one of my pupils and it was eating up such a large chunk of time. Nobody seems to love music theory, so it's not very rewarding for me or my pupils.
"I wanted to create something that kids would enjoy, and this relates well to the next generation of computer-savvy kids. They are extremely comfortable with using this type of thing.''
Mr Novak planned to use the scholarship, awarded by Otago Financial Management, to develop the website.
"It's great. Every little bit of money takes me a step closer to achieving my goal.''
Mr Novak expected the website would be operational early next year. He hoped to eventually develop the website into a Dunedin-based global commercial company so children around the globe could benefit.
"At the conclusion of my degree, I will work full time on this software and develop more innovations in music education and E-learning.
"I hope to set up a website that will teach people to play musical instruments by offering practice tips like how to play in tune, fingering and how to play rhythm.''
Mr Novak's regional scholarship was part of the national AMP Scholarship Programme, and this year more than $30,000 was contributed by AMP adviser businesses in scholarship prizes for their local regions.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
