We Can All Make Music.
Why singing
together is essential for children’s development
Most of those
responsible for nurturing infants, children and adolescents have always recognised
the importance of active music-making to the development of the kids in their
care.
At last,
“evidence-based research” has begun to confirm what they have
always believed, and that which has been a part of child care workers’
daily practices. What has emerged most
powerfully from the research is that active music-making, in particular group singing, is not just a useful tool but an essential
aspect of human development.
The benefits of
group singing are summarised below under the four headings socialisation,
learning capacity, teaching methods and personal development.
Singing
together fosters co-operation and interaction (together we can do more than we
can alone), simultaneous listening and vocalisation, “groupness”
(bonding / creating a sense of belonging), the direct experience of synergy
(Aristotle: the whole is greater than the sum of the parts) and embodies the
values of diversity and respect (for gender, age, culture and skill level).
Singing
together develops memory capacity, attentiveness, pattern recognition, rhythmic
understanding and facility, body / mind co-ordination, linguistic ability,
volume control, connectedness, curiosity and creative initiative.
Singing
together is an effective memorisation device and an engaging introduction to
history and culture. It's also great for
mood control, increasing energy levels (and facilitating relaxation and
calmness), focus, content delivery, integration of play and instruction, and
the enhancement of events and occasions.
Singing
together brings awareness of self and others, provides emotional expression and
outlet, and develops identity, confidence, self-esteem,
a sense of achievement, expressiveness and health (both psychological and
physical).
* * *
When
all this is looked at holistically, it is immediately apparent why a school
without song is no school at all. It is
simply impossible to ensure that a child's potential will be fully realised
without music in the mix.
The
glorious fact is it's not difficult to start a singing group and start reaping
the benefits described above. A few
basic techniques, accessible even to the most tentative and nervous students, can transform a class into an ensemble.
CMV can
facilitate this process. If you're interested, please contact us. We've also
collected a huge amount of information regarding current research sources,
which we will eagerly share this with you.
If you think our backup will help you, just call.
CMV - making a
sound world together.
©
Community Music Victoria Inc.