A MUSIC program which aims to improve children’s ability to learn and provide them with an opportunity to try something new has been embraced by a local primary school.
Under the guidance of instrumental music service teacher Sonya Gooding, Millicent North Primary School students have started weekly music classes with a variety of instruments including the recorder, saxophone, guitar and clarinet.
Ms Gooding said instrumental tuition was initially offered to the school to address declining enrolments in music and has since become an integral part of the curriculum.
“Millicent North has been granted recorders as a base instrument for a year and a half, which they learn how to play before they have the chance to learn another instrument,” she said.
“It has been proven music is important for a child’s education.
“Music is the only subject that makes all of our neurons liven up.
“We encourage students to take part in the program because it teaches discipline and teamwork, like sport and also encourages friendship.
“It is a curriculum area the department has a 10 year focus on.”
Ms Gooding said she has visited the school for seven years, with the music program surging in popularity in the last four years.
“We did not have a classroom to start with, but with all the new STEM buildings the school has put in has allowed us to use a particular area, which has made a significant difference.
“The recorder is the pilot program and there are only a few schools in the state who are doing it, but not many.”
Principal Graham Slarks said student participation had increased from just three students to almost 60 from across junior and upper primary.
“Research shows if a child learns a musical instrument, learns a language and is physically fit then you get a far better academic performance out of them,” he said.
“They have been our three focus areas.
“By doing the three years of music in junior primary and doing the recorder for a year and a half it gives you the grounding to seamlessly learn another instrument.
“Before learning a musical instrument was detached from your curriculum, it was something novel.
“It has become a part of something you expect the school to offer.”
The school has made music accessible for students through funding and the purchase of recorders, which has allowed participation at heavily discounted costs each term.
The eventual aim is to have a school band.
