By engaging in classroom music, your son is joining one of the most important facets of modern society. Everyone listens to music of some sort and for many it forms a large part of their life. Whether we listen deliberately or passively (think of all the music you hear without even realising it, in shops and so on) most of us listen whilst enjoying other forms of entertainment, such as films and television programs – few are made without music as an important part of the action. By actively being involved in classroom music, your son is opening the door to his own understanding and greater enjoyment of something that touches his life every day.

In an excellent article (The Music Teacher, September 1998) Sally Goddard Blythe of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology described music as “one of life’s earliest teachers”, and quoted studies from the University of London demonstrating a clear relationship between musical experience and reading age (Barwick, 1990) and from the University of California showing that music lessons had a beneficial effect on spatial reasoning (Rauscher and Shaw). (David Bramhall, 2005.)

The Primary Classroom Music Lesson is divided into small teaching segments between two to ten minutes each. These segments move quickly between rhythmic dictation, singing, games, physical music making activities, audiation, song analysis and part work. All boys will engage in these activities throughout their lessons, varying only the extent, difficulty and song selection based on their year levels and ability. It ensures boys are mentally, physically and musically stimulated throughout the entire lesson.

The College has recently expanded its instrumental teaching staff to include a rock guitar and rock bass specialist plus an additional piano specialist. Voice, woodwind, brass, percussion, rock guitar, classical guitar, strings and piano are available for private or small group tutorial through the College Instrumental Music Program. Boys are never too young to learn, with a range of instruments available for the primary beginner.

Your son may wish to continue learning his instrument after engaging in the Year 3 Strings or Year 5 Concert Band Programs. Alternatively, he may be interested in pursuing an instrument to which he has had limited exposure. Our caring and supportive instrumental music teachers provide a safe, supportive and educational learning environment for your son to learn at their own pace.

Lessons are $30 per half hour and are available on a rotational basis throughout the school day. The self-discipline and organisational skills required to learn an instrument will help in every facet of your son’s school life. There is another important benefit, although the idea is still the subject of some debate: recent research in several different countries has suggested that there are strong links between musical experience and reading age, IQ, or the physical development of certain parts of the brain.

If you are interested in your son becoming more involved in music, speech and drama, or if you have any questions in relation to the Primary Music Program, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Katchia Avenell on (07) 3906 9411 or via email at avenellk@mbbc.qld.edu.au