"Wow, it's music next!"

Learning a musical instrument at primary school can improvepupils' learning and confidence, according to a research into the Wider Opportunities (WO) initiative.

Many teachers said that the initiative, which teaches eight and nine year old pupils to play instruments in a group, led to more positive attitudes to learning, improved motivation and raised self-esteem amongst pupils.

1,389 schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in the research. Many of the teaching staff said pupils looked forward to lessons and enjoyed playing instruments. Many staff added that children's team-working skills had improved as a result, as well as their behaviour and concentration.

The WO programme teaches pupil to play an instrument together as a class for free. The class teacher joins in and learns to play as well. The programme, which also runs in Ealing is well-received in the borough.

WO initiative in Ealing

Yogesh Dattani, head of Ealing’s Music Service said, “This research has confirmed what we music educationists have known all along:

learning an instrument is overwhelmingly popular with children
learning an instrument has a very positive effect on children's confidence and self esteem
learning an instrument in whole-class settings works as a disciplined introduction to learning an instrument, identifying talent and as a joyful experience to benefit ‘whole child’ development
primary school teachers with little or no experience of music tuition welcome opportunity to develop their skills
WO music education for children with special educational needs has been outstanding and is exemplary of best international practice

The WO programme is currently enabling tens of thousands of pupils to learn a musical instrument who otherwise would not have the opportunity. In Ealing we are currently delivering instrumental lessons to approximately 2.500 pupils in 37 primary schools as part of this programme."

Come and see for yourself

Yogesh added: "In the summer term I will be inviting each an every headteacher of primary, junior and special schools that don’t currently offer WO programmes to come and see for themselves the high quality of learning experiences being provided by Ealing Music Service with a view to their school coming on board for September 2010."

"Wow, it's music next!"

WO initiative in Ealing

Come and see for yourself

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