The start of a new academic year is like a blank sheet of paper, and there is no better time to embark on a new enterprise, such as learning to play a musical instrument. In case you have any doubts about this, please allow yourself to be persuaded by this excellent piece of journalism written by one of our Year 6 Prefects, Xanthe; extolling the pleasures and merits of music and, for her in particular, playing the violin:

“If there’s anything that is the first thing I look at when I walk into my room, it’s my violin. I deliberately leave it in plain sight so that I get a little ping inside that says, “I’m going to practice!” whenever I see it.  I just spot it out of the corner of my eye and think that, without having to do anything else in the process.

On the second day back at School, Mrs Lordon showed us a fascinating video in Senior Choir.  It revealed that playing music is like a whole-body workout for the brain! Scientists have confirmed that it improves cognitive abilities, connections and paths within the brain – which helps the filing system and memory to be quicker.  When the scientists looked with scanners and equipment at the brain, they found that playing music engages almost every part of it.

Aside from that, I find playing my violin one of the most enjoyable things that I do.  Playing a musical instrument is like riding a bike; it takes a lot of practice to be good at, but those skills and the knowledge you’ve gained will stay with you for the rest of your life and I would always recommend playing an instrument, or at least giving it a try.  Why not have a go yourself?”

What excellent words of advice! If you are interested in your child taking up a musical instrument, please do get in touch with Mrs Lordon, our Director of Music, who will be very happy to help and advise.  We have a fabulous team of highly experienced visiting music teachers here, several of whom have space in their timetables for new pupils at the start of the academic year.