Music Matters

A new Scottish Learning Festival (SLF) workshop on Promoting Positive Health and Wellbeing Through Music will have participants up on their feet in a session filled with song.
 
The workshop will form part of a Health and Wellbeing Live day on 26 September that includes demonstrations and inspirational keynote speeches, specifically focusing on the health and wellbeing ethos and curriculum.
 
It will be led by Monica Wilkinson, an established Music teacher and renowned Dalcroze Eurhythmics specialist.
 
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a developmental approach to teaching and learning that sees students experiencing music through movement.
 
Bachelor of Education in Music students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) will support Ms Wilkinson during the session.
 
RCS Lecturer in Professional Learning, Dr Angela Jaap said workshop participants would be engaged socially and emotionally through appreciation and participation in interactive activities around music.
 
Dr Jaap said: “As Scotland’s National Conservatoire we are incredibly passionate about the joy and wellbeing benefits that music and the arts can bring to everyone.
 
“We see our session at SLF as one where we can share our passion and enthusiasm for music and start the day’s proceedings on a ‘high note’.
 
“This session is for everyone! We aim for it to be fun and to have all participants leaving with a spring in their step and a tune in their head.”
 
There is a vast body of research which points to the benefits of music for promoting positive health and wellbeing.
 
“From small activities such as listening to a piece of music, through to performing as part of a community choir or accessing musical therapy, there are a whole range of opportunities through music which can foster positive wellbeing,” Dr Jaap said.
 
“Even the smallest of musical activities can have a profound effect on our personal and social wellbeing, encouraging communication and helping the expression of thoughts and feelings.
 
“At the RCS, as musicians – and teachers – ourselves, we have first-hand experience of the positive effect that music has on our wellbeing and that of our pupils, and we are keen to share this with others.”
 
The workshop will be held on Thursday 26 September from 9.30 – 10.15 am. Register now to book your place.