CYUT recently welcomed Markku Kaikkonen, Director of Finland’s Music Center RESONAARI and a leading figure in global music education, for a special workshop introducing the FigureNotes system. This innovative method, which uses symbols and colors instead of traditional notation, is founded on the inclusive belief that “everyone can play,” enabling learners of all abilities to participate in music performance and creativity.

The event was organized by CYUT’s Department of Early Childhood Development and Education, with support from the Departments of Communication Arts, Applied English, and Social Work. High school and vocational students joined CYUT students in hands-on practice and performance, experiencing how FigureNotes can break down barriers of language and ability while fostering creativity and inclusion.

During the visit, CYUT and RESONAARI renewed their partnership agreement, first established in 2017. The collaboration will continue to expand opportunities for student exchanges, faculty cooperation, and joint research projects.

Dean Liza Lee of CYUT’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences highlighted that the workshop reflects CYUT’s vision of “internationalization plus local engagement.” By integrating theory with practice across media storytelling, multilingual education, cultural inclusion, and early childhood teaching, the program enriched professional learning while strengthening cross-cultural understanding.

The workshop left a lasting impression on students and educators alike, showcasing CYUT’s dedication to innovative, inclusive, and globally connected education.