**Collaborative post**
Without wishing to detract from the proud moment when a child reaches a certain ability level and has developed the necessary skills to deliver a beautiful performance, it is well-established by research that the benefits of investing in some form of musical education extend beyond the ability to play an instrument or entertaining an audience.
The Director of Music at King Edward’s Witley, the co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 11 to 18, says, “Children who play an instrument or sing as part of an ensemble or orchestra are required to work as part of a team. As such they are not only honing their musical skills, they are also further developing their ability to perform in harmony with their fellow musicians.”
Of course, a further advantage of being part of a team is the opportunity it brings to meet people. Very often, a shared interest in music can offer an excellent opportunity to create new friendships, sometimes with individuals with whom a child would not necessarily usually socialise. This prepares a young musician for the move from school to university – where they may wish to join a music-based society, orchestra or choir and build those all-important friendship groups away from home.
Social skills are not only developed in terms of building bridges with a pupil’s peer group. The one-to-one tuition which goes hand in hand with learning a musical instrument also encourages children to enhance their ability to communicate with adults. However, in addition to the social skills associated with learning a musical instrument, there are other well documented benefits which are proven to impact on a child’s academic performance. The organisational, analytical, self-discipline and listening skills which are required to achieve success as a musician are regularly applied to other areas of a child’s learning journey. What’s more, many studies are linking musical training with improved brain function and higher academic achievement.,
Venturing into the world of music can also be viewed in the context of learning a valuable life lesson, in that it is very much a discipline which demonstrates the importance of committing to a new skill.
Finally, at a time when the mental and emotional health of children is high on the public agenda, the considerable therapeutic benefits of music must not be overlooked. When a child is playing an instrument or using their vocal talents, it provides a welcome chance to break away from the stresses of the day and to focus on something totally different. It is no coincidence that music features as a recognised therapy in a hospital or healing environment.
