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 on 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 a problem-based learning, the method described in this chapter allows consideration as to how much more 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 as to 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.