Many studies were conducted regarding the benefits of active engagement with music throughout the lifespan, particularly among children and youth. One of the studies authored by Susan Hallam, published in researchgate.net, investigated the impact of music on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. Her paper revealed that children who were exposed and learned music starting in their early childhood positively impacts their literacy and numeracy skills, and even enhanced their motor coordination through learning to play an instrument. Music also improves their spatial reasoning, which is one aspect of general intelligence related to skills required in mathematics. Early engagement with music can enhance self-perception, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, but only if it provides positive learning experiences which are rewarding and enjoyable. Teaching music needs to create an enabling environment where it promotes creativity and self-expression. The study also showed that group music is beneficial as well to the development of children’s social skills and to improve their health and well-being.
These findings were clearly manifested in the programs of Sistema Toronto, a non-profit organization that provides musical and intellectual opportunities to children in vulnerable communities, with the goal of transformative social change. Sistema Toronto is first and foremost a social development program, using ensemble-based music education to transform the lives of children. Their students work together for 10 hours of weekly instruction. They learn strings (violin, viola, cello or double bass), percussion, choir and Music & Movement while developing important life skills like problem solving, empathy, and self-advocacy.
Sistema Toronto has been impacting not only children’s lives, but also brings joy to their families as well. To learn more about the work they do, please visit their website at sistema-toronto.ca. At Sistema Toronto, donor support is critical. Your investment allows Sistema students to play real instruments, receive instruction with professional musicians, eat a healthy snack every day, and benefit from a community of support.