It’s long been believed that music is good for the brain, but now it has been proven.
Recent academic research completed by Dr Anita Collins shows that the entire brain is active when engaged in music.
“The studies showed extraordinary things,” Riverina Conservatorium of Music (RCM) Director Hamish Tait said.
“Music excites the brain in a way no other activity can.”
The study called “neuroscience and music education” compared the brains of people who learnt music against those who didn’t.
One of the findings from the study was that music education improves verbal memory. Students who had a background in music education were able to remember 17 per cent more than those who hadn’t.
Improving brain function is just one of the reasons to learn music.
There are career opportunities in both teaching music and playing professionally and some people learn simply to enjoy music.
The RCM is Wagga’s leading music education facility providing structured and measured education for its students.
The Conservatorium offers a controlled educational environment with professional teachers who have completed all relevant courses and checks to work with children.
When learning at the Conservatorium, students won’t just be learning a few cords or a song, they will have a holistic music education.
“Our students receive a comprehensive education,” Mr Tait said.
“From technical development to performance to developing the ability to evaluate music.”
Thousands of children are taught at the Conservatorium each year either by attending classes, band or via conference call for students in satellite towns around the region.
While music is great for brain health and learning it is also a genuine career option for those passionate about music.
“Music isn’t just a fun things kids can do, it's a legitimate career path,” Mr Tait said.
“The music industry is a billion dollar industry which employs hundreds of thousands of musicians.”
Locally, the RCM employs 40 people, many of whom also learnt music there as a child.
One of the current teachers was a student at the Conservatorium as a child and has returned after studying at university to teach violin.
While many students may not go onto become teachers or professionals, they will take music with them wherever they go and in turn improve the culture in the town or city they live in.
“Music is vital for culture and offers a great sense of community,” Mr Tait said.
For more information on music lessons for your child go to the RCM website or call (02) 6925 3522.
