Research has overwhelmingly demonstrated just how beneficial the study of music is for everyone, but particularly for young people. The cognitive processes that students use and develop while playing music are then transferred to learning in other curricular areas, resulting in better overall rates of success in school.
While parents may initially have concerns about their children leaving class to come to music lessons, the long term the benefits of learning musical instruments far outweigh any short term negative impacts of being out of class. Here is a short clip from the head of the Bigger Better brains project, neuroscientist Dr Anita Collins, explaining this further.
North Lanarkshire Council Instrumental Music Service is a key partner in our Music Department. We have 8 visiting instructors: Bagpipes, Brass, Guitar, Keyboard, Snare Drum, Strings and Woodwind. Music lessons are currently free, and priority is given to SQA candidates. We strongly recommend that learners engage with this service to ensure they get the best preparation and support from specialist musicians. North Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service has forged an enviable reputation throughout Scotland, through the delivery of instrumental and choral instruction. North Lanarkshire Council embraces the rich musical diversity within the authority and endeavours to continue producing young musicians and ensembles at all levels of the spectrum. North Lanarkshire Instrumental Music Service offers the opportunity to perform at school, national and international levels through the successful establishment of our renowned bands, choirs, orchestras and ensembles. The music groups have grown from a fledgling concept of learning to play a musical instrument for the few, to an accessible nationally acclaimed service, taught by a qualified workforce. North Lanarkshire’s Instrumental music service seeks to enhance and enrich the lives of the young people of North Lanarkshire through instrumental and choral tuition, whilst developing and nurturing a skill which will last way beyond school years into adulthood. Along with the musical benefits and opportunity for creative learning, research-based evidence identifies the broader benefits of learning to sing or learn a musical instrument, such as improved language, literacy and numeracy skills, social and personal development, physical development, health and wellbeing.
Playing a Musical Instrument:
•increases the capacity of your memory.
•refines your time management and organizational skills.
•boosts your team skills.
•teaches your perseverance.
•enhances your coordination.
•improves your reading and comprehension skills.
•increases your responsibility.
•sharpens your concentration.
•fosters your self-expression and can relieve stress.
•creates a sense of achievement.
•promotes your social skills.
•boosts your listening skills.
•teaches you discipline.
•elevates your performance skills.
•promotes well-being in your life.
