Cultivating Arts Integration in Learning - Models and Practices: Circles - crossing borders between music and visual arts

Abstract

“The use of two or more disciplines in ways that are mutually reinforcing, often demonstrate an under-lying unity” (The Consortium of National Arts Education Organizations, 1994). How can we use visual elements to build bridges between visual arts and music? Creating through colors and forms seems natural in visual arts. Sounds and colors can be associated by various systems, but may also lead to superficial and “constructed” associations, as well as like loosing the essence of music making when playing with sounds and interacting with peers. Starting from experiences made during a combined music-visual arts course with generalist teacher students, a similar situation will be experienced that allows the participants to approach concepts coming from the two disciplines in a creative way. Then, we discuss the underlying framework for arts integrating teaching and learning.