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Music is one of humans most holistic studies. It stimulates the senses, the brain, and our emotions. Parts of the brain light up together when performing and even listening to music that does not light up during other activities. Studying music requires a unique mastery of fine and gross motor, enhances eye movement which aides in increasing language reading abilities, assists with internal steady beat activities (such as riding a bicycle), requires deep focus for listening, and the life time practice of self discipline. Research has shown studying music aides in decreasing age-related hearing loss!
Yet, why most of us love music is for the immediate effect it tends to bring: joy, sorrow, hope, and connection. It is one of the few activities where complete strangers can form a deep bond. It is known to build empathy and is one of our greatest historians, from West Indie traditional's or New Orleans jazz to Chopin's Nationalist Mazurkas. And it's all created by talented and daring humans, just like us!
We are thrilled to announce the coming of our monthly music club. Our pending date for our first meeting is Saturday September 21st from 10:00-11:00 am at Arizona School of the Arts. But what is a music club? What sort of activities take place and why should you take advantage of this opportunity?
Our music club has been created in an effort to supplement the additional needs of our students education. What will it target and how?
1. Build community- The study of music can be isolating, but music itself is the opposite! Through gathering students will learn they are not the only ones dealing with certain challenges and can support each others musical journey.
2. History lesson- Every month we will briefly focus on a composer or performer and the music of their period. We will announce our lesson plan in advance, but expect to hear names like Mozart, Charlie Parker, and Justin Timberlake (hey, it's all music here!).
3. Performance-Through performance and guided critiquing they will learn how to support each other, how to accept constructive criticism without fear or shame, all the while developing empathy AND (unbeknownst to them) fine tuning their musical ear by actively listening to another's performance.
4. Ear Training- Ear training is a hallmark of music study and one of our students most favorite activities. However, teachers often cannot integrate much ear training during their short time in lessons.
5. Games, games, games- Music is fun already, but being honest, sometimes study is not. Through the use of fun cooperative musical games we will target all of the ideas above!
Future gatherings will include performances by local musicians that will take questions about their lives as musicians and music students. We will also discuss how music can help others and research how our club can participate in charitable acts!
How can you sign up? You may rsvp here or visit your student portal at My Music Staff and registar for the event. Cost is $10 and drop-ins are welcome (Rsvp is much preferred so we may prepare). Please bring your music books or recital pieces you are currently working on. We cannot wait to see you!