AU Education professors, Jane Kuehne and Kimberly Walls have begun a project that connects Auburn University music education students with students at Loachapoka High School in the Lee County School System in Alabama. The initial goal of this project is for Auburn University and Loachapoka High School students to have valuable teaching and learning experiences in music and music technology.

With help from the AU College of Education and support from partners in Loachapoka, the first music technology workstation will be purchased this year for use in fall 2007. AU Education students and Loachapoka High School students will use this for on-campus practicum teaching and distance learning lessons in music and music technology. Future plans include adding more computer work stations allowing more students to have hands learning experiences.

While the students from Auburn University gain teaching experience, connecting with the high school students will give them valuable tools in music and music technology for the future.

The project will help reinforce the philosophy behind what the music education program in the Department of Curriculm and Teaching of the College of Education teaches.  This philosophy, " emphasizes that all children and adolescents should be provided musical experiences leading to appreciation for creation and performance, understanding of the role of music in daily living, and opportunity to develop musical skills and knowledge."

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