Why learn music?
If you are reading this, you are
probably interested in learning a musical instrument, or finding a
teacher for your son or daughter. There are many reasons why people do
learn; some just like the sound an instrument makes and want to try it
for themselves, others might enjoy the spectacle of an orchestra in
live performance and want to join in. Some play because their parents
think it will be good for them. Others, as adults, take up an
instrument because they never had the chance as a child, or because
they gave up and only later realised what a wonderful thing they were
missing!
Whatever the motivation, learning to play an instrument can have great
educational and social benefits, as well as providing an emotional
outlet and intellectual challenge.
The most obvious aspect of this is that, in becoming a musician, one
can experience the artistic creativity of music at first hand. Playing
'classical' music usually involves a shared responsibility between the
composer and the performer; the job of the player is not only to read
the notes faithfully, but also to understand what they mean and to
convey the musical language in their own accent.
Musicians partake in an activity that is vital to nearly every culture
on the earth! The purpose of music, in most societies, is to act as a
language of the emotions, conveying thoughts and feelings that are
often beyond words. Music is a powerful communicator and has the
potential to enrich and ennoble us as human beings.
As a School, we aim to promote the knowledge and love of Western Art
Music (or 'classical' music, as it is often known) - after all, it is
surely one of the most extraordinary manifestations of western culture
over the last five centuries! We believe that this music is a
tremendous gift and a living heritage. It is not 'intellectual' by
definition (although it can be), it does not need us to be scholars to
appreciate it (although knowledge is a good thing!) and it doesn't need
us to be powerful or privileged to access it. This said, there is often
a perception that 'classical' music is somehow élitist or
highbrow, and audiences at live concerts are beginning to age and
dwindle. It is sad to think that many young people know nothing of the
challenges of Bach, the epic struggles of Beethoven, or the elegance
and finish of Mozart or Haydn. We as a School don't just want people to
learn instruments - we want to nurture a new generation to love,
cherish and perpetuate the musical heritage that belongs to all of us.
Use it, or lose it, as they say!
Apart from these noble thoughts, music can teach us lots of useful
skills - social skills, working with other musicians, individual
discipline and study and the ability to self-motivate. A high degree of
patience is required to achieve well, and a balance of short- and
long-term strategies (particularly lacking in today's 'instant'
culture). Pupils must grow and mature in initiative, courage,
communication and perseverence - these are 'life skills'. Indeed, it is
interesting to note that music graduates applying for jobs outside the
music profession have a high success rate at interview - many employers
recognise that musicians have relatively high standards of achievement
and discipline, as well as the ability to see a long-haul task through
to the end.
The good habits and attitudes acquired through learning an instrument
will go deep and have the potential to change a young person's whole
outlook on life, even if they just play for fun. For adults, perhaps
taking up an instrument for the first time, the simultaneous thinking,
co-ordination, planning and rapid reaction needed to perform, not to
mention the actual skill itself, can help develop and maintain mental
agility.
All of these things avoid the most obvious point - learning a musical
instrument, although always a challenge (even a struggle from time to
time) is, if persevered with, immensely enjoyable and very absorbing.
It is often great fun too!