I was once asked to speak at an event celebrating the provision of Instrumental Music at a High School in Scotland. My talk was entitled, “My parents gave me a saxophone, and it changed my life”. That night, I shared 10 things learning the saxophone has taught me. Here they are:
1: “It taught me to constantly strive for perfection”. How often do our pupils make just one mistake, and then stop, feeling like they’ve let themselves down. All they’ve done is make one mistake. Music teaches us that mistakes are OK, and at the same time, 95% isn’t good enough.
2: “It taught me to be confident”. Sitting next to much older children breeds confidence. Having to join an ensemble while still in the early stages of learning an instrument breeds confidence. Going on camps & tours breeds confidence. Performing on a stage breeds confidence.
3: “It taught me to fail, and to know that failing is a good thing”. Learning an instrument is to constantly fail, yet try again. Practicing & performing music is to problem solve in real time. And, if you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.
4: “It taught me to work hard, to be trustworthy, and to be committed”.
We’re taught to show up on time, bring our music, care for our instrument, learn our parts, and be in the right place at the right time. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is completely unacceptable.
We’re taught to show up on time, bring our music, care for our instrument, learn our parts, and be in the right place at the right time. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is completely unacceptable.
5: “It taught me to focus”. Anyone who has had to count bars rest knows what I’m talking about. Every time you practice, you are learning to focus, and learning to focus your
focus on something in particular – a certain phrase, a difficult passage, a scale, a solo, a key change!
focus on something in particular – a certain phrase, a difficult passage, a scale, a solo, a key change!
6: “It taught me to care – about myself, about others, about what I do”. We’re all in this together. You have your part, your sections part, and the whole ensemble part. If you don’t care about each other & work together, then you won’t create amazing performances & moments.
7: “It taught me how to express, and deal with, my emotions”. There is music for every emotion and every occasion. Having an instrument to play, and ensembles to be in, is an
incredible release in such a high pressure and stressful world. And, when we can express, we can connect.
incredible release in such a high pressure and stressful world. And, when we can express, we can connect.
8: “It taught me how to make friends and it instantly opened me up to an extended family the world over”. Being in an ensemble gives you an immediate family, an immediate
purpose, and an immediate sanctuary away from the hustle &
bustle of the world. An ensemble is a family/home.
purpose, and an immediate sanctuary away from the hustle &
bustle of the world. An ensemble is a family/home.
9: “It taught me to have fun”.
Playing an instrument is fun. Making music is fun. Being in an
ensemble is fun. And when you have fun, you feel good. And when you feel good, everything else in your life gets better. The joy of music infuses and improves every aspect of our lives.
Playing an instrument is fun. Making music is fun. Being in an
ensemble is fun. And when you have fun, you feel good. And when you feel good, everything else in your life gets better. The joy of music infuses and improves every aspect of our lives.
10: “All of this combined taught me how to be courageous”. It’s tough making mistakes, constantly practicing, constantly trying to get better, socialising & making friends with people a lot younger or older than you, showing up early & staying late, it’s tough. It takes courage.
My parents gave me a saxophone, and it changed my life. Music is changing the lives of children each and everyday. Music Teachers are changing the lives of children each and everyday. If you’re a Music Teacher - thank you. Keep fighting the good fight. Your kids will thank you.
