WHY LEARN MUSIC?

The Government states: “Children from all backgrounds and every part of England should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument; to make music with others; to learn to sing; and to have the opportunity to progress to the next level of excellence if they wish to.” 

At Little Bird Music we believe that high quality music teaching should be an integral part of every child’s daily life. 

But why is this so important? Why learn music?  

Starting early is the key . . . 

A baby in the womb can hear sounds from 20 weeks (5 months) after conception.

Research confirms that the highest level of music aptitude occurs immediately after birth, when babies possess an abundance of genes and synapses that immediately make them ready for learning music. 

Between the ages of 0 and 18 months we learn more than in any other 18-month period in our lives. 

The second most important time for musical development is from 18 months to 5 years old. Early experiences shape the way that circuits are made in the brain

The benefits of incorporating music into the lives of children aged 0 – 11 are derived from the way the brain works. As you listen to or make music, certain neurons in the cortex of your brain (where most of the information processing takes place) start firing.  The more of these pathways that are forged and the more they are in use, the stronger the connections become.  Strong connections lead to easier access. Which translates into better skills.  

What are the benefits?

Learning music as a child hopefully leads to a lifetime of musical enjoyment and expression. Playing, singing, sharing, and composing – whatever path chosen - music stimulates creativity, offers social enjoyment and most importantly gives a sense of joy.  

Interlinked and in addition to the musical benefits, high quality music education:

• Sharpens the brain’s early encoding of sound - enhancing listening, aural processing skills and phonological awareness, which contributes to the development of literacy skills.   
• Enhances spatial reasoning which impacts on mathematical skills. 
• Enhances attainment across all school subjects. In a recent issue of The Guardian we hear how one Bradford primary school puts its newfound SATs success down not to extra maths—but to music, and “loads of it” 1
• Requires sustained attention, goal directed behaviour and cognitive flexibility which can be transferred to all learning - building a sense of accomplishment, enhanced determination and persistence. 
• Encourages empathy, emotional sensitivity and tolerance.  Builds relationships, encourages teamwork and social inclusion. 

How do we achieve this?  

Music educator Dr Shinichi Suzuki said: “Talent is common, favourable environment is not”.  

The key to successful musical education is creating an environment where everyone can flourish. Nurturing an environment where music is embedded into learning. Building an environment where high quality music teaching is creatively incorporated into the fibre of the school or early years setting. 

Quite simply - putting music at the heart.

References:
Research taken from “The Power of Music—a research synthesis of the impact of activity making music on the intellectual social and personal development of children and young people.” Professor Susan Hallam MBE.  Commissioned by the Music Education Council and Published in 2015 by iMerc.org. 

1. Josh Halliday “How to improve the school results: not extra maths but music, loads of it” The Guardian 3/10/17