Pioneer technology helps teachers bring school music into the 21st Century

Music lessons will never be the same again, as today a new initiative launches to bring DJ'ing into schools across the country. Gone are the painful recorder and violin recitals of old, and in their place, a much funkier sound will be heard in the classroom.

This new beginning for music lessons, sees Pioneer software and decks enter the classroom to give pupils the opportunity to learn the art of DJ'ing. This unique programme, entitled "Make Me a DJ", will help teachers give lessons a fresh approach, bringing the music curriculum to life through a modern 'instrument' that pupils can relate to and begin the training of a new generation of world class DJs.

Aimed at 12-16 year olds the "Make me a DJ" modules meet the set curriculum through encouraging pupils to create mixes, fulfilling learning objectives and creating and developing musical ideas that meet Key Stage 3 & 4 / S1-4 music. Newly acquired DJ'ing skills can even contribute towards a Music GCSE.

Championing the positives of DJ'ing, Pioneer, the leader in professional DJ equipment, has joined forces with the National Schools Partnership and former BBC Radio One presenter, DJ Spoony, to raise awareness of how working with decks can help get more kids interested in music, putting a spin on the traditional instruments once favoured in the past.

The "Make me a DJ" resource will see pupils use Pioneer mixing software called "DJS" to create mixes of their favourite tracks. To encourage involvement pupils can enter their mixes into 3 prize draws throughout the year to win Pioneer headphones and DJ Software. At the end of the year, one lucky school will win a visit from the Pioneer Pro DJ team and Pioneer DJ equipment.

DJ Spoony, one of the UK's leading professional DJs, is fronting the campaign, "I'm delighted to be involved in Pioneer's 'Make me a DJ' program. DJ'ing is a fantastic skill for pupils to learn, and a great way to get involved in music. I've now been a professional DJ for 10 years and the best part of the job is being behind the decks, working with tunes I love and entertaining the masses. I'd recommend every pupil has a go at DJing, it's great fun, and who knows where it could take them!"

Mark Fawcett, Chief Executive at the National Schools Partnership, said 'Make me a DJ' is designed to help schools encourage more pupils to engage with music by branching out beyond traditional lessons.

With the help of Pioneer, the 'Make me a DJ' programme is a gift for teachers and shows how popular culture can really enhance the curriculum."

Martin Dockree spokesperson for Pioneer said "We are happy to offer our full support to the 'Make Me a DJ' programme, as we believe it will ignite new passions for DJ'ing and music in general. Pupils are keen to learn when a subject is put across in an exciting and enthusiastic way. "Make me a DJ" helps teachers infuse their curricula with fun and make it relevant to the lives of today's teenagers."

To find out more please contact:

Phillippa Streets: 0207 802 8111 / phillippa.s@bravepr.com

Ben Hickey: 0207 802 8111 / ben.h@bravepr.com

Interested schools can register for the programme and request a resource pack, which is available after the Easter break, from www.nationalschoolspartnership.com/makemeadj or call the National Schools Partnership on 0208 875 5494 for more information.

About the National Schools Partnership

The National Schools Partnership supports and encourages businesses to provide content and funding for educational resources and schools. Established with the unprecedented backing of schools and educational bodies, they bring together educational expertise and commercial skills to create benefits for schools, companies and families. Resources are created by teams of educational specialists and help schools achieve learning and social objectives in original and creative ways. For more information visit www.nationalschoolspartnership.com