Music

Music Lessons* (**Free life lessons with every purchase!)*

I recently stumbled upon a lovely anecdote on an online platform. The lesson was a wonderful reflection on the myriad of benefits and gifts that come ‘free with purchase’ when one engages with music learning. We’ve talked about the well-asserted wellbeing aspect, but the benefits of music learning are even further reaching. Within this particular anecdote, someone asked a parent about why they bothered with the significant time, money and energy investment involved in positioning their child to learn to play piano.

As the story goes, the parent’s response was poignant, and they stated that they ‘couldn’t care less’ about what instrument their child played. They had run a cost/benefit analysis, and they considered the ROI to be vast. In summary, they knew that more than just weekly piano lessons, they were investing in:

positive experiences that develop discipline, resilience and focus;
lessons in self-respect, and taking pride in the care of one’s body and belongings;
learning to respect and welcome the input and guidance of others;
opportunities to be gracious in failure and humble in success;
those days when their child is ‘too tired’ but they honour their lesson commitment anyway;
those moments when their child wants to quit, but doesn’t;
lessons in making and accomplishing goals and the sense of self-efficacy that follows;
learning to play the long game – it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to play beautifully. In life, success seldom happens overnight, but is as a result of smaller, repeated, dedicated actions;
learning to step back and keep the bigger picture in view as they work as a team player;
the opportunity to build friendships and create lifelong memories;
and the chance to create something beautiful and of lasting value.

When we invest in our children’s music-learning, we know we don’t pay for the accrual of mere ‘note-pressing’ piano skills, but rather the world of opportunity and personal growth to which these experiences provide a door. They might not thank you yet, but they will one day! Thank you from your teachers in the Music Department in the meantime. We see what you do, and we applaud you for it.

The Redlands Senior Instrumental Competition 2021

Senior Instrumental Competition finalists will be emailed shortly with information regarding a revised plan for the event to take place, pending restrictions and allowances once we return to school after Week 6. Should the event be able to proceed as hoped, it would be live-streamed. Yr 12 finalists, though technically graduated – would be so welcome to return to school to participate in this event.

Date Changes and Cancellations

Please keep your eye on the Music Events dates on Pulse in case of adjustments in the weeks and months ahead, in light of our rapidly changing context. We regret to inform that the Yrs 8, 9 & 10 Showcases have officially been cancelled, with the assessment components to be reimagined as video uploads. We will be seeking ways to provide vital Performance experiences ‘in house’ once students are back on campus. We look forward to sharing our music in this way again soon.

Auditions

Testament to the extraordinary opportunities across the Performing Arts at Redlands each year, we encourage you to jump over and have a look at today’s Drama Department Note Day entry. The Musical has been announced for 2022 – with information now available regarding auditions! This is a wonderful chance for us to collaborate as departments, and we are delighted to encourage all Redlands musicians to consider auditioning for the band of this fantastic and rewarding show.

AMEB Examinations

In light of our current circumstances, we have temporarily amended our usual policies regarding our ability to offer private music tuition during the Term 3 holidays. Whilst the majority of our tutors will be having much needed rest and time with their families (and we heartily support this), some tutors with students nearing their AMEB exam uploads have graciously offered to provide a further lesson or two to students over the break. This is to advise that Redlands has given permission for this to occur, so long as it follows all our usual Zoom protocols as per the school term.

Have a Wonderful Break!

Whatever your plans for the coming weeks, we trust your homes will be filled with peace and rest.

Though the Music Office will be closed over the break, please email seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au or juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au by the end of the week with any urgent queries or action points ahead of the coming term, and we’d be delighted to help you.

Wishing you a soul-nourishing break.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12 (Acting)
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9820