Press releases
Pop music in class: Popakademie visits schools in the area
21. February 2023
For two days each, pop music will be on the timetable of several schools in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region in spring 2023. Lecturers and students from the Popakademie's Bachelor's degree programmes in Pop Music Design and World Music will visit selected schools and teach how to sing, write lyrics, play instruments and manage bands in exciting workshops. The main sponsor of the educational project is BASF SE.
"Pop macht Schule" - that means playing instruments, forming bands, writing and producing songs. For two days during the coaching period from the end of February to mid-March 2023, pop music is on the timetable of six selected schools in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Many pupils will hold an instrument in their hands for the first time at the beginning of the school day and will be on stage as a band in the afternoon to present songs with self-written lyrics to their fellow pupils and teachers. Existing school bands and music groups receive advice and support from the Popakademie's experienced musicians in order to put the finishing touches to their rehearsed songs. The workshops also offer exciting insights into the topic of band management.The aim of the project, which was initiated together with BASF SE, is to sensitise young people to the creative use of pop music at an early stage. In addition, making music together promotes the social skills of the participants. At the big final concert on May 5th 2023 at the BASF Feierabendhaus, all participating students will experience what it feels like to breathe stage air in front of a large audience. As a highlight of the concert, a graduate of the Popakademie who is known throughout Germany will also perform. The following schools will participate: 1 Mon, 27.02./Thu, 28.02.: Biedensandschule Lampertheim 2 Thu, 02.03./Fri, 03.03.: Friedrich-Schiller-Gemeinschaftsschule Hemsbach
3 Mon, 06.03./Thu, 07.03.: Georg-von-Neumayer-Realschule plus Neustadt
4 Wed, 08.03./Thu, 09.03.: Integrierte Gesamtschule Ludwigshafen-Gartenstadt
5 Mon, 13.03./Thu, 14.03.: Uhland-Werkrealschule Mannheim
6 Wed, 15.03./Thur, 16.03.: Theodor-Heuss-Realschule Walldorf The project was awarded the Landeslehrpreis Baden-Württemberg in 2009.
In 2010, the School of Rock (now: Pop macht Schule) was awarded as a place in the "Land der Ideen". The main sponsor BASF SE received the AKS Award from the Arbeitskreis für Kultursponsoring for its support. Due to its integrative effect, the project was included in the integration plan of the Federal Government.