Music for Cross Cultural Accelerated Learning

The Search for the Right MusicJapanese, Chinese, Spanish, Celtic, and Caribbean
Ever since Georgi Lozonav, the noted Bulgarianinfluences, blended seamlessly together with jazz, Ron
physicist and accelerated learning pioneer, conductedhas created a truly original sound. Ron has performed
his ground breaking studies about the impact of musicon dozens of CDs, TV shows, movie soundtracks
on learning, trainers around the globe have been trying(including Being Julia).
to find the perfect musical formula to help themRon has travelled around the globe studying and
connect participants and produce desired results.collecting over 100 indigenous flutes. In Japan, Ron
When Executive Oasis International formed a strategicstudied the bamboo flute and Gagaku court music. An
alliance with Kuala Lumpur based FIK International toaward-winning song writer, major artists (including Hong
offer seminars throughout Asia, we wanted to ensureKong's Alan Tam, Stephanie Lai and Yvonne Lau)
that our approach would be relevant to the varioushave had hits with Ron's music. Ron and his band
cultures in which we would be working. We weren'tregularly tour Asia, North America and Europe.
sure what to expect. Acceptance was a lot easierPreparing to use Music for Accelerated Learning
than we anticipated. Asian audiences respondedBased on our experience, here are a few tips for
enthusiastically to accelerated learning with itstrainers and speakers seeking to ensure that their
emphasis on session starters, energizers, colourfulsessions are well received by multi-cultural audiences
visuals, and in-depth practice. Along the way, thereboth at home and abroad. The first should be obvious:
were a number of pleasant surprises and unexpected1. Use music,
discoveries about the importance of music in training.Music can cross cultural boundaries and linguistic
For the first time, we will reveal a couple of thesebarriers.
secrets to you.2. Always provide a participant profile or learning styles
Asian Memories: My Musical Journeysurvey for the meeting planner to distribute and collect
In Januray, 2000, I got off the plane at KLIA, loaded myfrom participants prior to your session.
accelerated learning paraphanalia onto a cart andInclude questions about musical preferences on this
wheeled it out to meet FIK's Mr. T. Saravanan. Isurvey. Season to Taste: Catering to Diverse Learning
immediately realized that I'd be right at home. You see IStyles from the Spice of the Month Accelerarted
am Jamaican. The windshield of the car in which SamLearning ezine describes how to gauge musical and
Selvaj was waiting for us had a HUGE Bob Marleyother participant preferences.
and the Wailers sticker.3. Let the seminar organizer, client or meeting planner
On the way to the hotel we even passed a club calledknow that you plan to use music during your session.
Marleys with a statue of Bob Marley in the front yard.Provide them with direction about obtaining the
These were the first clues that it was important for usappropriate license for legal use of music.
to include some reggae on our accelerated learningMusical Moments: Music for Accelerated Learning
playlist. (Little did I know that, 2 years later, I would begoes into detail about how to legally use copyrighted
chatting with Malaysian Rastafarians selling Bob Marleymusic and how to obtain royalty free music.
tee shirts at the night market and sipping sodas until 24. Create a musical score for your training or
am on the patio of the Reggae Club along Penang'spresentation and integrate music into various aspects
fashionable Batu Ferringghi.) More discoveries layof your sessions.
ahead.There are many opportunities for using music during
At our first session, attended by 65 delegates at Kualatraining. Ron Korb's repertoire includes selections for
Lumpur's Regent Hotel, we realized that tucked awayevery phase of training, for example:
in our boxes, we had packed the perfect ingredient toPURPOSE SELECTION CD
"spice up" our training. We'll give you a hint. It wasGUIDED IMAGERY Flute Traveller Flute Traveller
music by a particular artist. (Before we wereBREAKS The Great East Temple Japanese
introduced to this music, we had experimented withMysteries
some royalty free music, produced by a trainingSTRECHING Caravan Ron Korb Live
company. While it was well received in the US,ENERGIZER Genji Ron Korb Live
reception from our audiences in Canada had been5. If your audience is conservative, modify the manner
lukewarm. So, we searched until we found music toin which you use music during your training sessions.
which Canadian audiences responded enthusiastically.)For example, during the early stages of your seminar,
Music by this artist, would also make a valuableconfine your use of music to breaks.
contribution to our warm reception in Asia. FromCheck out Conservative Corner: Accelerated Learning
Bangkok to Bombay (Mumbai) from Kuching to Kualafor Analytical Learners in the Spice of the Month
Lumpur, the results were the same. In fact, 7 trips andAccelerated Learning Ezine for details.
over 1000 participants later, this music has continued to6. Before you play, a selection of music, briefly identify
generate excitement wherever we have conductedthe composer, the artist and the title of the selection.
sessions in Asia. The artist is Ron Korb.7. Involve your audience.
Music by Ron Korb: Ideal for Accelerated LearningEven if it's just a 1 day session, you can give the group
Whether we are in Toronto, Singapore or Penang,a chance to select their favourite selections towards
participants in our sessions always BEG us for morethe end of the day. We sometimes give the
of Ron Korb's music. Music is a universal language.opportunity to select the music for the next break as a
The right music can greatly enhance your trainingreward for a mildly competitive exercise or trivia
sessions. It can create a warm and invitingquestions.
environment and build participant enthusiasm. The key8. Add a personal touch to your training by sharing
is to find the right music and add it carefully to theyour own culture with participants through your musical
accelerated learning mix.selections.
A Toronto based and internationally acclaimed,For example, drawing on my Jamaican heritage, I have
Japanese-Canadian flute virtuoso, composer andreggae breaks. I have taught delegates as far way as
music producer, Ron Korb has released 9 CDsKuching (Malaysian Borneo) to dance. Draw on music
including "Japanese Mysteries", "Flute Traveller", andfrom your own cultural heritage, incorporate it into you
"Celtic Heartland" the newly released "Ron Korb Live"presentations and seminars and it will help you cross
CD and DVD. Ron's music transcends boundaries,cultures as you travel around the globe.
representing world music at its best. A tapestry of