At Mandurah Baptist College music education plays a crucial role in the development of our students’ brain and their overall wellbeing in so many different ways. There are hundreds of scholarly articles and huge amounts of research about the benefits of music education. Here are just some of the benefits of our students attending music lessons and learning a musical instrument:
1. Playing an instrument makes you smarter. Einstein once said: ‘Life without playing music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music…I get most joy in life out of music.’ Musical activities can activate all four lobes of the brain, as well as parts of the cerebellum. Music, quite literally, gets the whole brain working. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving things like memory and spatial reasoning that are essential for literacy, maths and science skills.
2. Music improves confidence and self-expression. Music has the power to enhance health and wellbeing. Creating and performing music can improve a person’s sense of self-worth and promote positive self-confidence as they master singing or playing an instrument.
3. Creativity. Music nurtures a student’s creative side. This can have an impact on their future as creativity has been identified as one of the top five skills important for success in the workforce. (Lichtenberg, Woock, & Wright, 2008). Graduates from music programs state that creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking are skills necessary in their work, regardless of whether they are working in music or in other fields.
4. Music promotes teamwork and collaboration. Making music with other people helps to create a culture of tolerance and acceptance. Creating and experiencing music as a group allows young people to understand and value diversity. It promotes sharing, listening and encourages social growth by having students work together. Students learn to respect the opinions and ideas of others through making music together and have the chance to celebrate the things that make people different.
5. Playing music is fun! We could list all the scientific benefits of learning to play a musical instrument – but the most important thing is that it is fun! Playing music actively engages and stimulates the brain, making you feel happy.
To find out more about the music programs here at the College please contact Nerida Middendorp neridam@mbc.wa.edu.au
Music has given me a chance to grow my confidence, being able to stand in front of the school or a class and present a presentation or perform a song. These performances have also allowed me to meet and befriend people that I never would have talked to if it wasn’t for performance – Stephanie Potter Year 12 (2021).
Studying music has helped me in so many ways. I’ve realised how important music really was in life and the range of careers out there for me! I have gotten so many different opportunities singing for a couple of concerts, Eps and gigs; I wouldn’t have gotten these opportunities if it weren’t for the skills I have learnt over the years. Learning to work with everyone you meet, your reliability to memorise your part and perform, and most importantly your knowledge on music aural and theory all play a role when you come into contact with any job – Nina Mansfield, MBC Graduate 2018 (Currently studying Bachelor of Contemporary Music at WAAPA).
Written by Nerida Middendorp, Head of Staff Development & Support
