It’s never too early to let the music take you …

Music is a part of life at Fern Hill from the day a student enters Preschool. We teach a knowledge of theory, rhythm, vocals and the various performance aspects involved in music. In Grades 3 and 4, students begin to apply their music-reading ability to the recorder. In Grade 5, we add a wind or brass instrument to their repertoire and students become members of the Grade 5 to Grade 8 band.

Fern Hill School Band

The Fern Hill Grade 5-8 band performs at a variety of school functions throughout the year and its achievements are showcased in an evening spring concert. Students, staff, and parents look forward to this event every year. Students play a range of pieces, demonstrating their abilities with improv moments through their instruments. It’s an inspiring night for everyone. Watching Fern Hill students confidently take the stage and demonstrate their skills is a credit to our music teachers, as well to our students’ commitment to mastering their instruments.

At Fern Hill, we hope that music will become a lifelong passion for students, if not for professional reasons, then certainly for pleasure.

Benefits of music education

Music is the universal language and as Beethoven suggested: “Music can change the world.” Since our goal at Fern Hill is to educate the whole child, instilling a love of music and teaching the theory behind it are vital aspects of our role as educators.

In 2014, The Royal Conservatory released The Benefits of Music Education, a fascinating report based on current neuroscience research. A few quick facts from the report:

Music education:

• Improves language abilities
  • Increases emotional resilience
  • Increases empathy
  • Increases attention span and focus
  • Increases self confidence

The research found “a strong correlation between playing an instrument and academic success.” In addition, “Our data has confirmed a rapid transfer of cognitive benefits in young children after only 20 days of music training … music gives children a means to express themselves, to unleash their creativity, and to be inspired by their own boundless capacity for personal growth.”

The scientific research that forms the basis for this report is fascinating. Read more: https://www.rcmusic.ca/sites/default/files/files/RCM_MusicEducationBenefits.pdf.