If it wasn’t for the encouragement of my Primary School headteacher, who gave me an oboe in year 5 so I could be part of the school orchestra, I doubt very much I would have studied multiple instruments and performed professionally. I find it most exciting to share my love of music with others, especially those I teach and to introduce a variety of musical styles and composers/performers to my students. We can inspire others and especially our children by sharing the music we enjoy listening to and playing, but you don’t have to be able to sing or play an instrument to be that inspiration. Having a dance party in your kitchen or karaoke in your living room, as well as proving lots of fun, will have your little ones (or big ones) thinking about music in a new way - even if it is only subconsciously to begin with. St Catherine’s Prep School builds on these early years’ foundations with the introduction of music from the first term in Reception. Girls gain an insight into academic music introducing them to rhythm, pulse and how to listen to music along with singing where girls are taught the importance of pitch and kodaly. Children naturally respond to sound with movement. Music helps them develop physically, improving their balance and encouraging self-expression. If you are choosing a school for your child, look for one The Importance of Music in Young Children that has created an environment in which music knows no boundaries and flows through all areas of school life. At St Catherine’s girls enjoy impromptu Band performances at break-time and ‘dance-time’ where they vote for their favourite tracks. Look too for a dedicated music space – I am lucky enough to teach in ‘the Soundscape’, here girls can lie back and discover who sits where through the “orchestra in the sky”, a specially designed map to illustrate where members of the orchestra are positioned. The implementation of multi-media technology allows girls to record and broadcast their own podcasts sharing their music with the wider world. As children get a little older, tools such as GarageBand, an online music creation studio, are available to encourage them to not only create music but to teach, record and share music globally. Our aim is to nurture a life-long passion for music, whether it be singing or playing and provide each girl with every opportunity; seeing the girls’ selfbelief and confidence grow throughout music is a privilege. Raring2go! EDUCATION 36 By Sarah Jones, Director of Music at St Catherine’s Prep School
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