Every child should learn an instrument in school, says union

Category: Piano and guitar

Learning instruments such as the piano and guitar from an early age produces multiple long-term benefits, a teaching union has said.

According to the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), making music can have a profound impact on the personal and social development of children.

Indeed, the body said playing an instrument can have a very positive effect on the self-confidence of young people, as well as teach them how to work both individually and as part of a group.

The EIS has therefore urged local authorities not to cut back on music education in schools because of funding restrictions.

Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the group, commented: "Learning to make music allows pupils to take pride in their accomplishments and provides them with skills that will be applicable to many other areas of their everyday lives."

He added that ensuring proper funding for music education in Scotland would help to maintain the country's tradition of producing great musicians.

The recommendation comes after researchers at the University of Zurich found that playing a musical instrument can make certain areas of the brain more active than they would be otherwise.

By Neil Hill