Music can give children a way to express themselves, to unleash their creativity, to be inspired and uplifted, to relax and to relieve stress and tension.
Landsdale Gardens Primary School recognises the positive impact that learning music has on language, maths, concentration and social skills.
Studies in neuroscience show that music can enhance brain function and working memory in children. Musical activities such as playing instruments, singing or just listening to music, stimulate the left side of the brain (related to language and reasoning) leading to improved speech development, learning to read earlier, better concentration, and improved comprehension skills.
Learning Music also helps with the development of maths skills such as fractions, pattern recognition and problem solving.
Just like playing sports, playing and dancing to music helps children develop their motor skills. Making music requires children to use their voice, fingers, ears and eyes as well as large and small muscles all at the same time. This helps the body and mind work together.
Making music with other people in a choir or band, improves children’s social and emotional skills. They learn to work together as a team and develop their sense of empathy. Researchers have found that children who play music together are better at tuning into other people’s emotions.
All students at Landsdale Gardens PS will participate in a classroom music program that teaches the fundamentals of music and musicianship aligned with the Western Australian Music Curriculum. The music program incorporates a range of different teaching tools with the objective to develop an appreciation for music. The music program includes;
- Singing, playing instruments and moving to music
- Listening, analysing and experiencing music from a range of different eras, genres and cultures from around the world
- Developing an understanding of the elements of music and using this as a tool for creating, composing and developing the student’s musical vocabulary
- Developing performance skills as well as audience appreciation and etiquette
Students are offered opportunities to perform through learning instruments, singing in choirs, participating in assembly items, participating in the end of year music concert and massed choir events. Non-tuned and tuned percussion instruments are used throughout all school years.