Arts and Cultural Education in Iceland : Professor Anne Bamford

Figure 3.3.6 Pupil performances in a school year in music schools
In addition to the pupils participating directly in performances and exhibitions of their
learning, pupils can hone their performance and presentational skills through attending
professional performances and exhibitions of others.
Figure 3.3.7 Places students in compulsory school visit
Opportunities to attend such events tended to be more readily available for pupils in the
Reykjavik than in the more isolated locations. The exception to this seemed to be the Symphony
Orchestra and Music for All programmes that ensured – through travelling performances – that
children had the opportunity to attend a concert. Though these experiences may not have the
same ‘feel’ as seeing a symphony playing in a major concert hall, they provide a valuable chance
for pupils to be exposed to professional performance. This is exemplified in comments made by
school principal in relation to these opportunities:
The musicians from the symphony orchestra came and played for all the children. The children were most
interested in the classical pieces. It was the first time ever the children had heard a real orchestra live. They just
don’t usually get the opportunity. Two or three musicians came from the 'Music for All' programme.
Other people interviewed highlighted the structures that limit the possibility of taking
children to performances. Timing of concerts and the cost were seen as major factors, as the
following comments explain:
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