EDUCATION EDITION
WHO COULD LIVE WITHOUT IT? Music adds so much to our lives, and learning an instrument can improve our wellbeing. Millers Music is a piano shop in the heart of the city, with experts on hand to help
7. IMPROVED WELLBEING Music can have a dramatic effect on a child’s wellbeing and is increasingly recognised as an important tool in improving mental health and as a form of therapy and healing. “As a teacher and parent, I observe how regular music lessons contribute to a person’s development and enhance their wellbeing,” says Libby. “I have seen some children grow up from the age of seven to 18 through weekly violin lessons. At times, as a music teacher, you almost feel like a counsellor, as the student brings the troubles of the day or the week to the lesson. Sometimes they need to offload before they can focus on the music; other times the music itself cleanses and revitalises them.” 8. GREATER SELF-CONFIDENCE Through learning an instrument, children are exposed to various situations that can lead to improved confidence in oneself. Whether that’s finally nailing a difficult scale or section of a piece, or performing in their first concert or getting a solo, the rush of endorphins caused by a breakthrough in
your musical journey can be a great boost to self-esteem. 9. CULTURAL GROUNDING Learning music by a range of composers and from different genres and time periods helps to expose your child to cultures and traditions they might otherwise not have encountered. As your child gets older, they may also be presented with opportunities to participate in tours abroad with their choir or orchestra, introducing them first-hand to new places and people, and developing their cultural sensitivity. incredibly rewarding, not to mention a lot of fun! Playing music engages and stimulates the brain, promoting feelings of happiness and fulfilment that are rarely achieved by sitting in front of the television. Gaining a solid grasp of even the basic skills will allow your child to explore new avenues of amusement, from writing music, to jamming with friends or starting a band! 10. A SOURCE OF FUN Making progress in a skill can be
onwards,” says Carrie. “I began learning the recorder and xylophone, then later the cello and piano – and, of course, I sang a lot! Now I teach singing and perform for a living; I am continually learning how to do it and why it’s so important, which has made me realise how fundamental that early ‘training’ was. I believe children need to be exposed to music education in some form – it helps you thrive in many other subjects and areas.” 5. IMPROVED MATHEMATIC ABILITY Although it may not immediately seem apparent, studies show that there are direct correlations between mathematic and musical ability. From counting beats in a bar to mastering more complex rhythms and studying music theory, manifold are the ways in which music and maths are in harmony with each other. 6. OPPORTUNITIES TO SOCIALISE Playing in an orchestra or singing in a choir is also a great way of making friends and developing team-building skills – they can be hugely supportive environments. “Music puts people in a unique kind of contact with each other – one which does not rely on verbal language or social status; it can cross boundaries and knock down walls between people and groups,” notes Libby. “When you play in an orchestra or chamber group, the activity transcends all differences; you are united in a common purpose that is unrelated to the normal run of day-to-day life.”
I have seen children grow up from the age of seven to 18 through weekly lessons
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2022 79
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