Strange Magick Music
a subsidiary of Strange Magick Ltd
My name is Corinne Ingram and I am passionate about the value of musical engagement in our lives.
Music making is essentially an enjoyable activity that happens to have many many hidden benefits. Time and time again, research proves that such activities change brain structures and hemisphere communication which in turn, has an effect on motor control, focus, task management and self esteem, to name a few. The recent drive for schools to develop a set of 'core values' are all intrinsically covered in subjects like music, PE and of course PSHE (Physical, Social, Health and Economic Education)
To make the greatest difference in your life, start music making at a young age when your brain is at its highest level of plasticity. It is possible that this advice has come too late. Maybe it has, but it's never too late to get started. Every week I come across adults who are just setting off on their musical journey.
As a child, maybe you had violin lessons just to fulfil the wishes of your parents but now play in ceilidh band. It may be that you had piano lessons and for fleeting moments, regret that you didn't find the instrument that suits you best. Maybe musical tuition was simply out of reach. If any of these statements ring true, one thing is certain. Your children are young enough to explore music themselves and with your encouragement, discover what an incredible enabler musical activities aren (even though this may not be an immediate realisation) .
I am a trained primary school teacher with a strong musical background. The general teaching skills I have inform my music educating. I aim for each lesson I teach to be active and engaging from the outset. I tend to teach visually or with movement and use games for immersing pupils in understanding and practicing musical skills and concepts.
It would be pointless offering in depth explanations of results from studies about cognitive benefits of music from the last hundred years or so. There is an absolute universe of articles to pick from on the internet, but I have created some links for further reading.