Latest News
Posted on March 21st 2022
Learning An Instrument - Four Students Reflect On The Benefits
Four students reflect on how much they enjoy their peripatetic instrumental music lessons and the benefits they derive from them.
Esther, Year 9
Peripatetic lessons have had a positive social and significant impact on students' mental health, resulting in many feeling a boost in their self-esteem. For an example, I use these lessons as a source of energy and tranquillity, a break from the back-to-back mind-boggling lessons I have daily. My love for music was my impetus to learn both the guitar and drums.
The skills I have learnt in these lessons are all transferrable to my more academic subjects
The skills I have learnt in these lessons are all transferrable to my more academic subjects such as English and Maths and everyday life. Pupils find that they benefit academically in that the skills and knowledge gained from a peripatetic lesson may benefit their curriculum work. These skills include: a better general attainment and creativity, better critical thinking skills, enhanced language, and improved physical co-ordination and increases in students' autonomy.
Tomi, Year 9
I very much enjoy my peripatetic lessons; it gives me a chance to explore the beauty of the piano and project that beauty unto the pieces I play.
My peripatetic teacher, Mr Reid, is very good in what he does and thoroughly breaks down pieces I struggle with and pushes me past the limits I set for myself.
This makes me realise that the only way to know my optimum capability to do something, is to discover beyond my comfort zone.
In these peripatetic lessons, it gives me a deeper understanding of what we learn in our music lessons and gives me a chance to be practical and judge how much I’ve learnt/understand
Music is a majestic sound to the ear, major impact to the mind and will always be the liberty to my heart.
In Year 8 I thought it would be completely impossible for me to learn the piano, but now in year 9 I’m moving from piece to piece, making mistakes, and learning what it means to be resilient.
Music is a majestic sound to the ear, major impact to the mind and will always be the liberty to my heart.
Azariah, Year 8
I was given the opportunity to play an instrument and I began drumming lessons at the beginning of Year 8 and I have continued to enjoy playing the drum set for the past seven months.
I chose to play the drum kit because I thought it would be a fun and a motivating activity as well as a way to express myself. I have continued to improve the way I play the drum kit and it helps me to focus more efficiently. I know that it has made me more confident in myself and has definitely helped to give me a confidence boost, to play in front of other people and be more open.
It has definitely helped to give me a confidence boost, to play in front of other people and be more open
Getting time out of a class once a week has relived stress and has given me a sense of happiness to look forward in the week because of it. Having thirty minutes out of a class is fun but sometimes I might have to catch up but apart from that it is worth it. Mr. Reid is an amazing teacher; he challenges me to try new things. Additionally, he applauds me for when I get a piece of music, or a section correct. Sir doesn’t give up on me when I get something wrong, and it has been a joy to go every week.
Nerojika, Year 8
I successfully got the privilege of getting to learn and play the steel pans for free. I’ve always had a passion to play the steel pans as it made me feel ecstatic and I’m extremely grateful to be able to get these opportunities I have. Being able to learn how to play the steel pans broadens my mental strength. Playing songs on any of the pans make anything sound so nostalgic which most definitely makes a smile curl onto anyone who hears it.
I get to be surrounded by other people who come in with smiles, unable to hide their happiness of being able to play the steel pans, which brings joy to me.
I very much enjoy the lessons that I take as not only entertaining, but it is a good help on my mental state regarding school. A lot of the time I have stress due to the amount of work I get from my other subjects in school. But when I have my steel pans lessons it’s like an escape away from reality for a while. This is important to me because it helps me from being overwhelmed by all my assignments. It’s also extremely amusing as I get to be surrounded by other people who come in with smiles, unable to hide their happiness of being able to play the steel pans, which brings joy to me.
Altogether, I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to play such a beautiful and mesmerising instrument that improves my skills and can be used as an amazing coping mechanism.
