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There has always been lots of anecdotal evidence that learning an instrument provides enormous benefits - now there are numerous scientific studies to back this up.
There has always been lots of anecdotal evidence that learning an instrument provides enormous benefits - now there are numerous scientific studies to back this up.
Cognitive Benefits
Cognitive Benefits
Click on the image below to watch a short video explaining how the brain is stimulated by playing music.
Click on the image below to watch a short video explaining how the brain is stimulated by playing music.
10 reasons why children should learn to play instruments:
Increased memory skills
Teaches perseverance and creates a sense of achievement
Improves coordination
Improves numeracy skills
Improves reading and comprehension skills
Creates responsibility
Exposes the student to culture and history
Nurtures self-expression
Improves listening skills
Improves social skills and teamwork
These reasons have a significant impact on students’ capacity to enhance their learning beyond music making, applying equally to other subject areas and overall well-being.
These reasons have a significant impact on students’ capacity to enhance their learning beyond music making, applying equally to other subject areas and overall well-being.
Former students of the program reflect
Former students of the program reflect
As a proud ex-student of McKinnon Secondary College, the Instrumental Music program was one of the highlights of my secondary schooling. I was involved in numerous bands and ensembles, went on many memorable music tours and developed incredible friendships. These experiences helped build my self-discipline and creativity, but above all, they were lots of fun. I really enjoyed learning an instrument and playing music.
Richard Long, Assistant Principal
I was always a sporty kid and I didn't know my Dad had put me down to learn an instrument. When I found out I tried to get out of it, but he encouraged me to give it a go. I had no idea what instrument to play, but I tried the trombone and the teacher said I had a good sound, so I went with that. I was surprised to find out that playing music with a whole lot of other kids was an amazing feeling. Just producing musical sounds made me happy. And I made a whole lot of really good friends through music I would never have known otherwise, as we had nothing else in common.
I continued playing for four years, then I reluctantly had to put it aside because of my study and busy training schedule. But in lockdown last year I started teaching myself guitar - it was great to play something again! Whatever happens in my future, I'm sure music will be some part of it.
Jason Clayton, Athlete and Sports Coach
Click on the link below to read about more McKinnon Music Alumni
Click on the link below to read about more McKinnon Music Alumni
"The future of music may not be with the music itself, but rather...in the way it makes itself part of the finer things humanity does and dreams of"
"The future of music may not be with the music itself, but rather...in the way it makes itself part of the finer things humanity does and dreams of"
Charles Ives
Charles Ives
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