34
When Children Chime In - How Active Participation Enriches Music Lessons MS. ELENA STOICA PRIMARY MUSIC TEACHER
One of the most important contributions of active participation in music class is changing the mind-set of the child from fear and lack of confidence to a more friendly and beneficial one.
Whether it’s music education in general or learning an instrument, we all know that the benefits of such a practice for a child are numerous. Studying Music helps one develop emotionally, rationally and physically as well, it helps balance the brain hemispheres and engages creativity. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful opportunity to practice behaviour skills such as patience, attention and discipline. Music is a subject that can only be
learned by practice and therefore, active participation in Music class is, from my point of view, mandatory. Though this subject can be treated on a rational level as well (talking about the structure of the song, counting the beats in a measure, discussing the meaning of lyrics and how you can use musical elements to emphasise it etc.), I think that the final goal in the Music class is to offer the children the tools to be able to express themselves musically with confidence.
All the ISB students can sign up for private music lessons during the school hours.