Any form of collaboration, whether it be on a sports team, a dance team, a theater group, or a music ensemble, can hold immense potential for kids. But music specifically has added benefits for children who join a collaborative group like a band, ensemble, choir, or songwriting team. It's not just about playing instruments or singing in harmony; it's about nurturing a range of skills that go beyond the music itself.
Building Social Skills and Friendships
Participating in music ensembles and groups provides kids with an opportunity to develop crucial social skills. As kids work together to create music, they forge lasting friendships and learn to respect one another's unique contributions. Music can even help break down some of the common cultural barriers that we often encounter in life. It can provide kids with new experiences and exposure to people of a similar age but possibly different backgrounds. When I played in the band at my High School, one of the best parts was getting to know other students who I may not have met outside of music class. It helped me appreciate everyone's personal journey that brought them there and even helped me form an appreciation for my own story, which, in turn, later led me to choose music as a vocation.
Enhancing Musical Skills
Collaborative music experiences also enhance a child's musical abilities. Playing different instruments within a group setting broadens their musical horizons, and playing their instrument of choice with other students helps them establish a musical ability to play rhythmically and “in time.” Oftentimes, if a student only learns an instrument on their own, they don’t have the incentive to follow an established tempo, and so they are only challenged to learn more complicated notes and chords. Music collaboration helps establish a keen sense of timing to their playing and provides them with a coordination that they otherwise might not achieve. Another great way to work on this skill is to practice with a metronome or play along with a song recording, but the magic of playing live with other musicians is hard to beat!
Fostering Creativity Through Songwriting
Songwriting is another exciting avenue for music collaboration. At Music U, we encourage kids to explore their creative side by writing and composing music in their private lessons and with others. This process not only deepens their understanding of music but also nurtures their imagination. Songwriting also combines other creative endeavors, such as poetry and rhyming. Combining these skills with musical abilities can open up an entirely new world of possibilities and can become a very important vessel for creative expression. When it comes to songwriting, our very own Jes Cleland has this to say as a professional songwriter and author:
“We can say a lot with words, but we say so much more when we add the element of music. When we combine words with melodies and harmonies, we can evoke a feeling or mood, and we tap into a deeper part of our psyche. We often attach emotions and memories to songs, building a uniquely strong connection to not only the lyrics but how they are presented. When we facilitate songwriting for young learners, we give them another language with which they can express themselves. They are tasked with facing both limitless possibilities and the restraints of making choices in meter, rhythm, melody, and accompaniment. A young songwriter feels a sense of ownership and pride when they put pen to paper and combine the elements they’ve learned about music theory with their own experiences and perspectives.”
Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
Performing in general, but especially in music groups, can also be a confidence booster! We understand that confidence is a critical aspect of a child's development, and so we try to provide as many opportunities as possible for Music U students to perform in safe and encouraging spaces. The feeling of playing with a group of peers in front of a crowd and receiving cheers and claps is a huge confidence booster. When other members of a group are depending on you for a specific role, you feel needed and valued; you work together to become something bigger. Collaborative performance or songwriting can play a vital role in establishing a student’s sense of self-worth and help them carry that confidence into other areas of their life, even into adulthood.
Promoting a Lifelong Love for Music
The benefits of music collaborations extend far beyond childhood. At Music U, we believe these experiences can lead to a lifelong passion for music. Even as a hobby, using music performance and songwriting as a creative outlet can be enriching to an adult and continue to provide important formative experiences. I mean, why are there so many cover bands? Am I right?
Tips for Encouraging Music Collaborations
If you're interested in nurturing music collaborations for your child, here are some tips:
Explore Local Music Groups and Camps: Look for local music ensembles or groups that align with your child's interests. There are often lots of opportunities to sign your child up for these kinds of activities via your school system, through an extracurricular company like School of Rock, or even through our own Music U Studio Camps!
Encourage Creativity: Foster creativity at home by engaging in musical activities and songwriting together. Getting involved in your child's practice time can be more than just making sure they are playing their assignments; it can often be as fun as playing a game with your child using songwriting mad libs!
Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their musical ideas. Set up a concert for your child to perform with their friends or share their most recent song with you!
In the world of music education, collaboration is the key to unlocking a child's full potential. At Music U, we're more than just music lessons; we provide a path to a world of music exploration and personal growth. Our dynamic approach, personalized teaching, and commitment to nurturing the whole child make us a trusted partner in your child's musical journey. Whether online or in person, we infuse every lesson and class with interactive games, engaging activities, and a genuine love for music.
If you're looking for a dynamic and creative music education program for your child, consider Music U!
