How technology can remove barriers to learning #InternetofSkills

Jamie Cullum leads world’s first 5G music lesson

The event, brought to you by the charity Music for All, demonstrated how technology can remove barriers to learning.

The advent of 5G technology will ultimately deliver super low-latency (i.e. low delay) connectivity everywhere, enabling an Internet of Skills where skills can be shared with others wherever they may live, work and play.

Here, we are bringing together music teachers and aspiring musicians. Research shows that making music: helps people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to keep smarter, younger, healthier and more sociable.

An ambassador of the charity Music for All, Cullum taught musicians across the three different venues in a unique multi-site lesson, connecting the three cities across the UK, as if the musicians were playing in the same room.

The locations included City of London Corporation’s Amphitheatre, Birmingham City University – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and We The Curious in Bristol.

Musicians were connected from London to Birmingham and Bristol via 5G networks from King’s College London and EE.

Jamie Cullum, commenting on this project, said:

“I’m delighted to be part of this ground-breaking event. I believe that the future of music can evolve hugely by adopting the latest technologies, like 5G. Having the privilege to perform with others via the power of 5G can open up new opportunities for artists, enabling them to practise and perform together remotely and communicate at a level that we never thought possible.”

Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, Director of the Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol, added:

“We were delighted to collaborate with the charity Music for All and our partners in London, Birmingham and Bristol to deliver a world’s first music lesson with the talented Jamie Cullum across 5G networks. This landmark event demonstrates how 5G technology innovation carried out in our labs at the University of Bristol can revolutionise skills development and cultural experiences. This initiative will give us an insight into exciting Digital Futures.”

Julian Lloyd Webber, principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, explained:

“As a world leading institution providing diverse music education opportunities to a broad range of students in a state of the art building, we are absolutely delighted to partner in this global first. Access to exceptional music-making sits at the very heart of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and our significant investment in technology and venues – including the Eastside Jazz Club – ensures a vibrant and memorable experience for all. We look forward to further exploring the possibilities of 5G in music education following the success of this fantastic artistic endeavour.”

David Marshall, chairman of Music for All, said:

“At Music for All we believe that by spreading the benefits of making music, we can change people’s lives for the better. The amateur musicians in Jamie’s 5G band really reflect our ethos as any musician from any background could apply for a place. The increasing availability of 5G technology will open up new ways for us to help more people in more places.”

The amateur musicians in Jamie’s 5G band were selected from an open call for applications by Jamie. The band included singer Lexi Milligan, guitarist and singer Jeremy Levif, singer and saxophonist Rosie Patton, singer and keyboard player Taylor Paisley-French, drummer Jakob Terry and bassist Alyson Knott. The band played one track from Jamie’s recently released album – Taller – and one classic track to an audience of two thousand cross the three locations and via a 5G-powered live stream.

The event was hosted by the City of London Corporation at The Roman Amphitheatre and led by Music for All, supported by King’s College London, Birmingham City University – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, EE, Yamaha, the City of London Corporation, the Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol, We The Curious, and Digital Catapult.