At Blundell’s Prep we are passionate about giving all of the children the chance to develop and explore the music within them. Whether it be individual instrumental lessons, orchestral and ensemble playing, singing or composing music using technology, all of the children are given the opportunity to engage in musical activities which allow them to be inspired to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and therefore increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
Music can give children a way to express themselves, to discover their creativity, to be inspired and uplifted, to relax and to relieve stress and tension. The children at Blundell’s Prep have weekly music lessons which give the children the opportunity to do this. We also have over 150 individual music lessons taking place over the week. Lessons are offered in piano, singing, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, drums, violin, cello and trumpet. In Year 3, all of the children learn the violin and we also offer half a term of free lessons for those instruments that are considered ‘endangered’.
Making music with other people improves children’s social and emotional skills. They learn to work together as a team and develop their ability to understand and share feelings with others. We offer many opportunities for the children to make music with each other; Orchestra, String Group, Brass Group, Wind Group, Guitar Group and Choirs. Performing together is also a key part of the children’s music education. We hold regular, half termly tea time concerts, a Spring Concert with musicians from the Senior School and a Summer Concert in which every child in the Prep School, along with some of the Pre-Prep children, perform.
Learning music helps to develop the side of the brain which is related to language and reasoning. It helps with sound recognition and teaches rhythm and rhyme. Songs can also help children remember information. Singing plays a huge part in our musical school life. Every child is given the opportunity to sing, whether it is in assembly, in class music lessons or in our choirs. This year has seen the introduction of our Choral programme which sees some of our singers meeting twice a week to sing together. These singers are then given the opportunity to join the Senior School Chapel Choir and sing together in a larger group.
Music is a hugely important part of a child’s development. With all these developmental benefits, it is essential that children are exposed to as much music as possible. At Blundell’s Prep we embrace music into our daily lives through listening to music, singing, playing musical games, learning instruments and performing together.