Pupils learn to compose and perform music

Two recitals entitled Ode to Joy were recently held at the Carmelite Priory refectory in Mdina by the Music Department of the Directorate for Quality and Standards, Curriculum Management and eLearning.

Music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking

In these concerts, students who chose music as an option subject in Forms 1 and 3 had the opportunity to perform in public outside the school premises. Besides works of well-known composers, including Maltese artists, a student presented his own piece which he performed on the piano.

The Music option programme gives ample space to students to improvise and experiment on their own instrument, additional instruments and other media.

Along with these students, pupils from various primary schools performed in choirs and recorder and percussion ensembles. They gave interesting repertoires varying in style and presentation. The musical pieces required the pupils to follow the music by keeping a beat, singing in tune and following the teacher’s directions. The pieces varied from action songs to body percussion and two-voice tunes.

For the past four years, the department has identified a number of challenges and compiled various recommendations, some of which have been implemented while others are being analysed, discussed and implemented. Among these proposals was the need for students to have space for high quality artistic activities.

For this reason, the department launched a project to provide students with the opportunity to learn music at school. The programme teaches them how to play an instrument, how to read music, how to improvise and compose tunes, and includes listening to a variety of repertoire of different genres.

A book was given to all students in Years 1 to 3 to facilitate evidence-based practice. Complied by the music teachers in primary schools in local colleges, it offers a wide range of motivating exercises, which are graded according to each year group, leading to music lessons, which are fun, stimulate creativity and fire the imagination.

Taking part in recitals and artistic events is seen as an essential part of the programme. While preparing for public performances, apart from acquiring new skills and learning new material, students learn how to set goals. This entails self-discipline, self-motivation, patience, desire, and focus to succeed.

Such recitals are an opportunity for students to learn through the study of instrument and choral music. They experience the joys of singing, teamwork, musical understanding and artistic expression.

Music is a gift that music educators can give to children and that will last a lifetime. A recent University of California study found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second-grade students who were given music lessons scored 27 per cent higher on proportional mathematics and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction.

Research shows that musical training permanently gears a young mind for enhanced performance.

Music can also be described as a sport. Learning to follow music while singing and keeping the rhythm and beat develops coordination. The air and wind power necessary to blow in a recorder promotes a healthy body.

Top musicians know that beautiful music comes from attention to detail. Without attending to these details, top musicians cannot reach the highest levels. Whether a student is a beginner or advanced musician, or whether one plays classical or blues, there are some tips that apply to any good-quality performance, thus resulting in a holistic educational experience.

While there are several different subjects offered in school, few can compare with the creative element offered by music education. Students have an outlet through which they can express themselves. They can relate to the words, notes or instruments they are experiencing.

The Music programme offered in primary schools gives students a solid platform to be able to perform music in a constructive way, leading to better performances in which students feel happier and pleased to be part of.

It also enables students to better understand the basic concepts of music and be able to decide whether to take up music as a specialisation in the years to come.

Ms Cassar is Education Officer for Music.