PREGLED PRIČE

2024

Break Music

Gimnazija "Stevan Jakovljević"

Serbia

MENTOR

Biljana Pipović

Step 1 OSETI

The project started in October 2023. When introduced to the idea of design thinking, five students decided to give it a go and try to do their bit to make this world a better place. In design thinking, empathy is like the starting point on a map - it's where the journey begins. Whatever we do, empathy sets the direction, ensuring that our solutions truly meet the needs of the ones who need our help. So, before they brainstormed, sketched, and prototyped, they talked about empathy. The students introduced themselves as global citizens, described their ideal societies, recorded scenes from the real world, and brainstormed the list of issues that concern them. As typical teenagers, they focused on body image, education, love, music, social networks, teenage drinking, and religion. Body Image: Besides the media's unrealistic standards, another significant issue is the influence of social media filters and editing tools, which create an unattainable perfection that can negatively affect teenagers' self-esteem and body image. Education: Alongside the pressure to achieve high grades, another major concern is the lack of practical, real-world skills being taught in schools, which leaves students feeling unprepared for adult life and the workforce. Love: In addition to the complexities of forming romantic relationships, teenagers often face pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations about love and relationships, which can lead to confusion and stress. Music: Besides the influence of popular music on behavior and attitudes, another issue is the limited exposure to diverse music genres in mainstream media, which can restrict teenagers' musical appreciation and cultural understanding. Social Networks: Apart from the negative impact of cyberbullying, another problem is the addictive nature of social media platforms, which can lead to excessive screen time, reduced face-to-face interactions, and negative mental health outcomes. Teenage Drinking: In addition to peer pressure and the desire to fit in, another significant issue is the lack of awareness about the long-term health risks and potential for addiction associated with underage drinking. Religion: Besides the challenge of reconciling personal beliefs with those of family and friends, another issue is the rise of religious intolerance and discrimination, which can make it difficult for teenagers to openly express and explore their faith.

After a heated discussion, the students chose to do something about teenagers’ music taste with an explanation: "Teaching teenagers about quality music will help them discover who they are and what they love. By talking about songs and breaking stereotypes, students will learn to appreciate different kinds of music, develop creativity, and open-mindedness. It's not just about boring subjects like geography or history — it's about exploring what interests us and broadening our horizons. Moreover, music can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, helping teenagers navigate their feelings and challenges. By exposing students to diverse musical styles, we can foster critical thinking and cultural awareness, enriching their overall educational experience." to quote Snežana, a team member. Teenagers teaching other teenagers about quality music and different genres can have numerous benefits. Peer influence makes the learning process more effective and relatable, as teenagers are more likely to engage with messages from their peers. Sharing music fosters a sense of community and belonging, strengthening social bonds. It also enhances empathy and understanding by exposing students to different cultures and genres, promoting inclusivity. Music education provides a healthy outlet for stress relief and emotional expression, contributing to better mental health. Additionally, it can improve cognitive abilities and academic performance, particularly when played at school during school breaks. Exposure to quality music can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts, enriching both personal and cultural life.

The problem primarily affected the students of Gimnazija Vlasotince, followed by students from local elementary schools, as well as teachers and a broader audience. The team members were particularly concerned about the prejudices towards certain types of music and the fact that young people are often judged by their music taste. They noticed that many of their peers were focused solely on mainstream music, which is typically played at parties and clubs. This narrow focus on popular music meant that few people were paying attention to the lyrics or considering the messages that these popular songs were sending. The students worried that this trend was limiting their peers' musical appreciation and reinforcing stereotypes, preventing them from exploring and valuing diverse genres and the deeper meanings behind the music. The team members at Gimnazija Vlasotince were also deeply concerned about the impact of popular music on the values and behaviors of teenagers and young adults. They observed that much of the mainstream music glorified negative behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, and materialism. By focusing solely on popular music, young listeners are inadvertently exposed to these false values, which could influence their attitudes and actions. The team recognized the importance of promoting critical thinking and media literacy to help their peers discern the messages conveyed in music and make informed choices about what they listen to. They aimed to challenge the dominance of mainstream music culture and encourage their peers to explore alternative genres that promote positive values and meaningful themes.

Step 2 ZAMISLI

Play music during school breaks: Provide opportunities for students to explore diverse genres and expand their musical tastes in a relaxed environment. Start an Instagram profile: Create a platform for promoting quality music in an interesting yet accessible way. Hold workshops: Organize sessions focused on media literacy and critical thinking to empower students to analyze the messages conveyed in music lyrics and understand the impact of popular culture. Organize concerts: Host events featuring a variety of musical styles to showcase the richness of different genres and inspire students to explore new sounds. Invite local music school students: Collaborate with neighbouring music schools to invite students to perform, exposing young audiences to a wide range of musical talents. Edit educational videos: Produce videos that highlight the history and significance of various musical genres, serving as valuable educational resources for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of music beyond mainstream hits.

The project members developed a plan that involved conducting an interview with their music teacher, creating an Instagram page, playing quality music during breaks using the school sound system, recording educational videos, and organizing music workshops. Conducting an interview with the music teacher was meant to provide a relatable and authoritative voice, as teenagers often value guidance from trusted adults. Creating an Instagram page was to focus on teenagers' familiarity and comfort with social media platforms, offering a space for interactive and visually engaging content that aligns with their digital habits. Playing quality music during breaks using the school sound system was supposed to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making it more likely for teenagers to engage with and appreciate different genres of music during their free time. Recording educational videos would cater to teenagers' consumption of digital content, offering a convenient and accessible way to learn about music beyond the classroom. Lastly, organizing music workshops was meant to provide hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, allowing teenagers to actively participate and explore their musical interests in a collaborative setting.

Step 3URADI

The DO phase started in March with an interview. The conversation with the music teacher was absolutely inspirational and provided the students with some very useful tips. Soon after that, they came up with the project name and created an Instagram profile with the same name – Break Music. Unfortunately, they encountered some technical issues regarding the school sound system, but on the plus side, they contacted the school director who approved of their initiative and promised to solve the problem shortly so that quality music would be played during school breaks in the future. They edited two attractive videos regarding the history of music gadgets and how to truly enjoy music. They marked World Music Day by posting a song sung by their friend. On the same day, they edited a board in the school hall and talked to the students about their project and music in general.

The result or impact of this project has been significant. Two authentic videos, edited by the project members, not only motivated fellow students but also attracted attention beyond our school community. These videos, shared on Instagram and TikTok, reached a substantial audience, garnering thousands of views. As a direct outcome, the students' efforts prompted the school director to promise to repair the school sound system, ensuring that students will enjoy quality music during breaks in the next school year. Additionally, the project resonated with former Gimnazija students, who reached out to offer their music recordings to promote quality music. To commemorate World Music Day, the students posted one of these songs, further amplifying the message. This particular video alone has thousands of views! Furthermore, the students' enthusiasm and dedication inspired me to develop original lesson plans for the next school year, designed to promote quality music in alignment with the vision and creativity of these students. Personally, I find their idea of getting in touch with the local music school very good, so I will assist them in making this idea a reality.

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"As a teacher Biljana's student, I initially had an interest in working on the Design for Change project. I definitely believe that young people should attempt to revolutionize modern society. Even though I did not participate in the project, I liked the topic and followed the project flow. The music taste of the vast majority of teenagers nowadays is surely influenced by popular music performers who usually do not perform music of high quality. I really appreciate the objective of this project - to educate young people about different music genres, such as classical music and rock. What I also wanted to emphasise is that participants are really suitable to spread awareness about music as they are officially musically educated. The way they want to do so is really insightful. Listening to classical music from cartoons can help youngsters to gain new insights into music and to break the stereotypes they previously had. Such a brilliant idea! Can't wait to see what else they have prepared for us!" Mila Marković, a third-grade Gimnazija Vlasotince student “The Break Music project is beneficial because it educates teenagers to appreciate quality music in a musically and educationally enriching manner. Playing music during breaks can introduce classical music through engaging examples. Some of these examples include various popular music genres based on great classical works, making classical music more relatable and interesting to young listeners. Additionally, the project's Instagram page utilizes modern communication tools and social media not as timewasters but as a means to present school-related topics and student stories in a way that resonates with teenagers. This approach showcases the school and its activities in an appealing manner, portraying the school environment as a pleasant space full of laughter, friendship, learning, and close relationships with teachers. It effectively presents the school, its academic pursuits, and its atmosphere as desirable and engaging through media that students are familiar with and enjoy.” Igor Ranđelović, Gimnazija music teacher

Throughout the project, the students faced one significant challenge regarding the technical setup of the school sound system. While they had permission to play music during school breaks, they encountered an issue when attempting to utilize the equipment: the main computer wasn't connected to the speakers in the classrooms and the school hall! Even though the school management was willing to provide the necessary cable, it could not be found in Vlasotince. To resolve this issue, the students promptly discussed the matter with the school director. Understanding the benefits of their project, the director committed to purchasing the required cable, ensuring smooth operation for their initiative in the upcoming school year. This experience underscored the importance of proactive problem-solving and effective communication in project management.

Više od 30 dana

Dobro zdravlje

Good health, particularly mental health, is intricately connected with this project in several ways. Firstly, promoting quality music and diverse genres can serve as a form of mental wellness. Music has been shown to have therapeutic effects on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among teenagers. By exposing students to different types of music and encouraging them to explore their musical interests, the project fosters a positive outlet for emotional expression and coping mechanisms. Additionally, the project's focus on creating a supportive and inclusive musical environment contributes to the overall well-being of teenage students. By breaking down stereotypes and promoting open-mindedness through discussions about music, students can feel more accepted and understood, which can enhance their sense of belonging and mental health. Furthermore, engaging in creative activities such as editing educational videos, organizing workshops, and participating in music-related events can boost self-esteem and confidence among students, leading to improved mental well-being. Overall, by fostering a culture of appreciation for quality music and providing opportunities for creative expression, this project indirectly promotes good mental health among teenage students.

Step 4 PODELI

The Share phase started from the very beginning as the information regarding project activities was posted on English Club, Serbia Instagram profile, and a special Instagram profile named Design Thinkers, which was created for this purpose. The Break Music Instagram content was shared on different social network platforms – English Club, Serbia, Design Thinkers, and Gimnazija Vlasotince on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook both on personal and professional profiles. The video A guide to truly enjoy music has more than 1500 views on TikTok and almost the same number on Instagram. The video on the history of music gadgets has more than 700 views, whereas the cover of the rock song performed by Mila Mitić (who sent her recording to be posted on the Break Music profile) has more than 1100 views. There is one more video with more than a thousand views and that one promotes classical music in an interesting way. That is only the sign that young adults can and are open to listening different genres of music and not only mainstream. There is an exhibition in the school hall, too. While editing the exhibition, the students were approached by younger students who were curious to find out more about it. To be continued!

Više od 100 ljudi

To ensure the project's sustainability, a comprehensive strategy is essential. Introducing music during breaks and organizing events like concerts and school dances can integrate the appreciation for quality music into the school culture. In addition, holding special English classes where music is incorporated can offer a unique educational experience. To deepen students' understanding, film matinees featuring culturally significant movies such as "Hair" can complement the curriculum. By implementing these initiatives, the project becomes deeply rooted in the school's identity, ensuring its continued impact and relevance.

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