THAT'S A WRAP ON THE THIRD SONG HACKATHON!
In today’s rapidly evolving world, creativity and innovation are no longer optional—they are essential. As education systems strive to prepare students for future challenges, the integration of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—has emerged as a powerful framework. Among these disciplines, music holds a unique and often underestimated role. Embracing the STEAM approach in music education is not just beneficial—it is transformative.
Unlocking Innovation: The Importance of the STEAM Approach in Music Education
Why STEAM Matters in Music Education:
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Fosters Creativity & Innovation
Music enhances problem-solving and critical thinking — skills that are essential across all STEAM disciplines. -
Integrates Technology with Artistry
Using digital tools like recording stations, audio editing software, and music production platforms teaches students how technology and creativity go hand in hand. -
Encourages Collaboration
Music projects often require teamwork, mirroring real-world collaboration in STEAM careers. -
Builds Confidence & Communication Skills
Performing, creating, and presenting music helps students express themselves and builds self-esteem. -
Supports Cognitive Development
Research shows music improves memory, spatial reasoning, and mathematical ability — reinforcing STEM skills through artistic engagement. -
Prepares for Future Careers
Modern music education using STEAM tools opens doors to careers in music technology, sound design, digital media, and beyond.
THE SONG HACKATHON IN LATVIA 2024
MASTERCLASS AT VILJANDI CULTURE ACADEMY
On October 3, 2024, within the Estonian, Spanish and Irish project "Digital skills for music teachers", the Constellation class gave a masterclass on the project and the possibilities of using technology in music lessons.
Photo: Maritta Anton
WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
We are very happy to start the new school year together, we heartily congratulate all the teachers and wish them great endurance. We especially welcome the start of a powerful campaign by the Constellation class teachers. Thanks to Zaiga Brutāne and Marta Cimdiņa, students of the Art Academy of Latvia, for the costumes. Thanks also to Joanna Strēle for the makeup transformation.
The Constellation team is ready to start the new educational work on the development of methodological material for the 8th grade and teacher training.
Music is the coolest subject in school!
FIRST SONG HACKATHON
On May 12, 2024, four Constellation Class schools met in Sigulda, Devon and created song sketches together with their mentors. In the discussion panel, Agnese together with Jaunmārupe music teacher Baiba Rudzīte, music producer Armandas Varslavāns, Mans Robots representative Vitolds Jānis and Jānis Aleksejevs from Roboskola.lv discussed the importance of the subject of music and how to create an environment that motivates students to become music educators or join the music industry. After listening to the songs, the collaboration of Druva Secondary School and mentor Paula Dundere was recognized as the winner song of the hackathon.
CONSTELLATION CLASS AT TALLINN MUSIC WEEK 2024
The Constellation Class project was also among Tallinn Music Week 2024 participants. During the master class and discussion, the project was presented internationally for the first time, giving an insight into what has been done in Latvia so far and why the introduction of digital technologies in schools is an important step for the sustainability and expansion of the music industry.
THE FIRST CONSTELLATION CLASS DIGITAL MUSIC STATION IN LATVIA OPENED AT SIGULDA MIDDLE SCHOOL No.1
On Tuesday, December 6, the first digital workstation of the "Constellation Class" was officially opened in the music room at Elementary School No.1 in Sigulda. It is the initiative of the musician Agnes Rakovska, which aims to modernize and digitize music lessons in the general education system, where the emphasis is on the practical activities of students.
Evija Rozena, the music teacher of Elementary School No.1 in Sigulda, is convinced that the introduction of a digital station in music lessons will make them more interesting, creative, and modern. In the future, students will have the opportunity to be more actively involved in the work of the lesson, getting an insight into the world of the modern music industry. Children will be able to create their own music, gain the first skills in the profession of a music producer, and discover new talents in themselves. This will be the first big step for a modern music lesson and a new milestone in music pedagogy at Elementary School No.1 in Sigulda.
The active involvement of parents of students was also merit in the implementation of the project in Sigulda. One such parent is Jolanta Lebedok, who actively promoted the introduction of the "Constellation Class" in Elementary School No.1 in Sigulda. She says: "I am pleased that together with the supporters of the first digital station, the stores "RDA and "ELVI", we managed to complete the workstation of the "Constellation Class" project, as a result of which the students of the senior classes of Elementary School No.1 in Sigulda will be offered a unique and modern method of learning music . I believe that students who have not been attracted to music so far will now be more interested in music and in the future will discover unknown, creative expressions in the field of music.
