MUSIC EDUCATION
What I can offer to create an inspirational learning environment…
As a music teacher I have been involved in many projects in both schools and the private sector. I have studied both music and the importance of music education within our children. I have written this report for anyone in the educational system to highlight some of the reasons music education should be looked upon as an imperative part of our teaching and how I can use my past experience to assist
School Assembly Presentation
As a multi instrumentalist who strongly values the importance of music education, I would like to offer my services for no fee for a free taster session. The goal is to teach a variety of core musician skills and hopefully inspire children to want to continue learning a musical instrument in a fun environment. I would also like to offer a one to one taster lesson to every child at the school
MUSIC EDUCATION BENEFITS
Throughout my time as a music teacher I have seen the development of many hundreds of children. I have had the pleasure of teaching in both affluent areas and in the most deprived areas possible. Within my teaching I began to realise that being able to play a musical instrument was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to music education. I found the development of children exposed to music to far exceed expectations.
I have below ten key reasons why every child should play an instrument.
1. Learning ability
More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievements with children who are exposed to music. Music stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and emotional development
2. Memory
Children remember more and learn more with music. Research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child's learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development
3. Socially
Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of leadership skills and discipline
4. Confidence
Having good confidence enhances every part of your life, if you want your child to develop their confidence, learning to play a musical instrument can help immensely
5. Patience
Children require instant gratification, but life demands patience. When you are learning a difficult piece or playing in a band or orchestra, you have to be willing to wait your turn to play, otherwise the sound is a mess. That inadvertently teaches patience
6. Connection
Music can be a much-needed connection for kids. It can help them unwind from the worries of life, but unlike the other things children often use for this purpose, such as excessive eating, TV or aimless web browsing, it makes children more alive and connected with one another
7. Constant learning
You can never truly learn everything there is to know. Music is inexhaustible, there is always more to learn but once children get on the path they seek more knowledge, whether that’s playing their favourite solos or creating a masterpiece
8. Expression
In the past few years all arts programs have been diminishing for academic subjects. This is the world we live in but no substitute has been given to allow for children’s expression. Music and the arts is a great way for children to convey themselves and will often lead to expression of feelings they find hard to articulate through words
9. Discipline
To improve in music, you have to not only do well in classes, but devote time to practicing outside of the lessons too. That requires discipline. Exposing kids to musical instruments is the key. They are naturally curious and excited about them and the discipline that children learn by sticking with it is a lesson in itself and has shown to help children with learning disabilities including ADHD
10. Creativity
Playing music, particularly as children get to more advanced levels, is a creative pursuit. Creativity is good for the mind, body and soul
To Summarise
These are just a few of many reasons music education is so significant in our children’s day and gives them a vast advantage in the fostering of self-expression, emotional intelligence and responsibility, the development of discipline, pride, concentration and social communication as well as the development of physical coordination and problem solving skills.
Although this sounds like a magic formula and a solution to all children’s learning, we must also be aware of the dangers we may encounter if music tutoring is approached incorrectly.
I have in the past encountered too many children who have, after initial enthusiasm, given up on music and instruments mainly due to negative experiences. This can impact on a child’s perception of music and be detrimental for the rest of their lives. A quote I hear all too often is
“I really wish I´d learned to play a musical instrument”
The reasons given are usually due to un-inspirational teachers, using un-inspiring teaching methods.
So how can I make a difference?
Although musical instruments, technology and teaching has moved forward at a rapid pace, the same philosophy of old is still been taught to learn music. Often the same melodies taught from a stave from generation to generation. Although this method has been adopted for hundreds of years it goes against our brains learning style.
I adopt an “Ears before Eyes” learning approach, which is as natural as the way we all learned to speak and which is a central tenet of music tuition.
Along with good inspirational tuition, it is important we keep the children inspired and motivated. Performances, recordings and exams are a good stimulant.
Performances
It is very important to enable children to express their creativity through performance and composition.
Having taught recording techniques and sound engineering I have orchestrated for musicals including Sound of Music, Oliver, The Producers, Annie and Guys and Dolls to name a few so I like to create full performance experiences for children with full backing.
A large concert for my students in the local city hall.
Recording
With modern recording programs multiple recordings are possible as there is no associated cost. We can record and mix full songs performed by children. This can be adapted to be taught as a subject or part of music tuition and allows children to listen to themselves and have recordings so parents can have a documentation of their child’s progress at home which helps to engage, inform and enable parents to make the most of their child’s ability´s and boost progress.
Exams
As schools work towards GCSE/A- level, in private lessons my students work with either the ABRSM or Trinity Rock School syllabus. All of these boards are accredited and can give an annual goal for a recognised music certificate.
A certificate presentation (I have taken over 100 students through formal ABRSM, Trinity and Rockschool exams and have a 100% pass rate)
Conclusion
I aim to give learners a broad range of intellectual, technical and creative skills so the pupils themselves would be the ones to decide what they might want to do musically. That decision is often predetermined by many teachers, simply by adopting a curriculum that’s too narrow.
I can offer your school a unique way in which to distinguish it from its neighbouring schools by identifying defining beliefs, ethos and values. With a range of strategic planning I aspire to enhance your schools ability to increase the engagement of your pupil’s, staff and parents.
I am available for music tuition, theory and instrumental, choirs, orchestras and am available for on-site or off-site consultation to work with you to create a strategy and valuable internal guide that will enhance all future school activities. In so doing I'll help you create the impact you need to engage pupils and multiply support from parents and the community.
Presentation
I have compiled a 10-15 minute live interactive assembly presentation used to engage children in music and an introduction to my teaching. This is aimed at KS2 but can be adapted for KS1 and 3. For further information on this please contact me