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The art of playing an instrument is a skill that anyone can achieve. Whilst to reach great heights it is true that one needs to dedicate one's life to the study of the instrument, but that is the same for all aspects of life. To gain simple pleasure from playing, this just takes an interest and a desire to learn. And the riches one reaps from playing an instrument are immense. I have so many adults who say to me how they wished they had learnt an instrument when they were younger.

Playing a musical instrument brings a sense of order and balance to one’s life. It is a form of relaxation and can calm the mind giving us some much needed respite in a world that is usually fraught with stress and turmoil. In addition, the academic benefits of learning an instrument are scientifically proven to aid a child’s overall learning and academic development. As children approach stressful times in their lives, be that preparing for the 11+ or sitting GCSEs etc. it is of paramount importance that they are given the opportunity to have time out from their studies, to have time to unwind and relax. Often, playing in an ensemble and the continued study of an instrument fills this need. It is very tempting to think that when preparing for examinations, children should only focus on their academic studies and be tutored as much as possible in order to stand the best chance of achieving the desired academic goal. But this can be counterproductive as the brain needs time to process what it is learning, it needs time to rest and to just ‘be’ in order to function at an optimum level.

Continuing to learn an instrument and attend ensemble rehearsals whilst studying hard for academic exams is very beneficial to a child’s learning. It anchors a child and takes the stress of the exam preparation away albeit temporarily as well as providing a social life which in itself allows a child to wind-down and relax. Music making is an excellent distraction as the brain will often get into the “flow” whilst performing and will create the space in the brain to recharge and be ready for the next stage of learning.

Senior schools are interested in children who demonstrate a breadth of interests. Children who participate regularly in ensembles, bands, or orchestras are able to talk confidently about the benefits of these experiences with genuine passion.  We strongly advise that a child continues to learn an instrument whilst studying for examinations. 

Plato said: “ Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education”....“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.”

“If I had not studied music, there would be no Macintosh computers today.”
Jef Raskin