TWENTY violins, two violas, 12 cellos and a vast assortment of wind instruments including clarinets, flutes, saxophones, oboes and a bassoon have been shipped to the kingdom from the UK for use in the new Academy of Performing Arts at the British School of Bahrain (BSB).
The aim is to encourage more young people in the kingdom to take up playing orchestral instruments and the new items will be available for hire to students at reasonable rates.
Director Lydia Martin said: “Playing any instrument is a great experience but playing with others in an orchestra, or band, is even more beneficial – both socially and cognitively.
“It is our intention at the BSB Academy to give students a chance to explore and learn the more diverse instruments such as oboe, bassoon and cello, as well as the more usual ones such as violin, flute, clarinet and piano.
“Many children do not get the opportunity to try these instruments and are often guided towards piano or guitar only, which, although fantastic instruments, do not suit all children’s musical abilities, tastes or learning styles.
“Instruments such as violin and cello require a very good musical ear in order to play in tune. Some children, whilst taking instantly to the piano with its ‘pre-formed’ notes, find an instrument like the violin or even the trumpet very difficult as they have to produce the notes themselves. Others, however, would take one look at the piano with its 88 different notes and two lines of music to read and are instantly confused and often remain so even after a year of lessons.
“The same child would probably be more suited to the trumpet which can appear much simpler with its three ‘valves’ and single line of music.
“We have violins and cellos to suit children as young as five or six years, whilst children interested in learning a wind instrument can take recorder classes as this, much simpler instrument, provides a good grounding for playing the bigger, exciting orchestral woodwind and brass instruments.”
Learning a musical instrument has many benefits and many experts suggest it can actually make children smarter.
“Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music on the brain,” explained Lydia. “Scientists say that children who play an instrument do better in academic subjects than those who don’t participate in music.
“Music enhances a child’s reading age, IQ and the development of the brain.”
Music also teaches good discipline, say teachers. “You have to be disciplined and dedicated in order to master playing an instrument,” added Lydia, who believes playing an instrument helps relieve stress and gives children and adults a heightened sense of achievement, particularly when performing with others in a group or orchestra.
“Children who are involved in musical performances such as concerts and productions develop more confidence and the ability to work with others,” she said.
For more details on the BSB Academy or to reserve a place contact 17610943 or call 39047734 to discuss specific requirements.
