Teaching copyright with musical instruments: using the drum kit to deepen learning

For several years, I have been using my electronic drum kit to teach students
about copyright law in seminars on the final year optional module IP Law. This
unique approach is quite different to ‘traditional’ law teaching, and whilst it
adopts similar principles such as seminar preparation, appropriate readings for
set questions and problem-based learning, the method described in this chapter
allows consideration as to how object-based teaching methods may be adopted
to create a more effective experiential learning experience. The approach
outlined here breaks free from the traditional question/answer/discussion
structure of seminars and allows the students to be involved in a hands-on way
to develop and enhance their understanding of copyright law. The chapter will
begin with some background as to how the class came about, before addressing
the relevant pedagogical literature on the effectiveness of such an approach.
Following this, the operation of the seminar will be described before concluding with some thoughts as to what can be learned and how similar approaches
may be adopted.