The Benefits
Why Learn a Musical Instrument?
There have been a variety of studies published on how learning a musical instrument can improve your life. By participating in Band, your child will learn how to play an instrument, read music, and to work in a team to perform beautiful music. The skills they will develop are likely to have a positive effect on their academic performance and psychological well-being; assisting them to develop better skills in language, literacy, numeracy, self-discipline, creativity, and confidence. Most importantly though, music is fun! It is a language that transcends barriers and is an integral part of human life.
Bigger & Better Brains
The Corpus Callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain – transferring motor, sensory, and cognitive information between sides. Studies have proven that musicians have a larger Corpus Callosum, which allows them to learn new skills faster, and solve problems more effectively and creatively.
Teaching Grit
There is no such thing as “instant gratification” when it comes to music. Students are taught to set long-term goals; and to exercise patience, perseverance, and resilience on their path to these goals. These traits are rooted in a Growth Mindset – which studies have found are an important indicator to a child’s future success.
A Full Brain Workout
Neuroscientists have discovered that playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the brain at once – the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout! Through disciplined, structured practice musicians are able to strengthen all areas of the brain, and then to apply those skills to other activities. Furthermore, they found that these results are unique to music, making it different from any other activity (e.g. sports & other arts)
The Universal Language
Every human society in the world has a culture steeped in music. How many hours in a row do you ever go without listening to music? Everywhere you go, everything you do, there is music – TV, radio, movies, at the shops, on your phones, at your sports game. We are surrounded by it, bathe in it, and soak it in. Why would we not want to learn more about something constantly present in our lives?
More Than Just Music
Being a part of a band is more than just learning how to play an instrument. By participating in band, your child will be involved in a co-operative learning environment. In addition to the intellectual and musical skills being developed, your child may also see improvement in their self-confidence, sense of responsibility and commitment, public speaking skills, self-regulation skills, communication skills, and general social skills.
Good For The Soul
Music helps us to understand some of our most complicated emotions; and through music we are able to express those thoughts and feelings. It has the ability to heal and comfort and connect us to others. Music is used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in people living with depression, anxiety, autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, and more.
What Opportunities Are Available To My Child?
Learning a musical instrument has the potential to open up many different opportunities for your child, from getting into a better high school to traveling the world! Here are a few opportunities to consider:
Scholarships – Full and half music scholarships are available from the majority of private and selective high schools, as well as being eligible to audition for the Conservatorium of Music High School.
State Ensembles and Events – There are a number of state-run organisations such as The Arts Unit, and Arts Alive, who provide opportunities for students across the state to join bands outside of school. These programs often get the opportunity to go on tour and perform at some of the best venues in the country (such as the Sydney Opera House). The state also runs various events throughout the year such as the State Music Camp and School Spectacular.
Community Bands – There are many community bands in the area for passionate students looking for bands outside of school, such as Benjamin’s Big Band, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensembles (NSSWE), Jazz Workshop Australia (JWA), and more. They bring students together of all ages and abilities and participate in many different festivals and events throughout the year.
AMEB Exams – We highly recommend students consider sitting Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) exams. They offer exams that cater to all ages and abilities, from first grade all the way through to an Associate Diploma in Music. The majority of schools across the country recognise AMEB exams and reaching a certain grade by year 12 may make you eligible for extra credit points towards your final HSC marks. Exams can provide students with structure and goal setting skills, as well as earning a sense of achievement when they complete an exam and receive a report on their progress.
Music Competitions and Festivals – Various music competitions exist such as the Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festival (ASBOF), Sydney Eisteddfod, NSSWE sponsored events, and more. There are also many music festivals that happen throughout the year such as Manly Jazz Festival, School Spectacular, Big Band Blast, Willoughby Spring Festival, etc. These events create opportunities for students to work towards a goal as a team and have the chance to play in front of an audience.
Band Tours and Camps – Many school band programs organise regular Band Camps and Tours for their students to participate. Some high school band programs organise for regular international band tours for their best ensembles. Roseville PS Band Program offers an annual Band Camp for our students in Term 2.