Benefits of making music in a group

Being a member of a music groups is great fun, and helps you get even better as a musician.

Learning an instrument in school or privately is one thing, but the skills a musician gains from making music in a group are an important part of their progression – in music, and as people.

They benefit from …

• Memorable musical experiences – regular weekly rehearsals, concerts and other opportunities like masterclasses and workshops
• Making new friends - the important sense of belonging that a music group can impart has even been proven in research as being good for wellbeing
• Developing their instrumental and musical skills - including sight-reading and training their ears, and exposing them to a variety of instruments and even styles, making them more aware and flexible musicians  
• Developing their confidence and skills in performing in front of others, leading to greater self-esteem
• Learning from each other - evaluating each other's performance and providing positive feedback  
• Motivation - seeing other people make music provides motivation and encourages musician to try new things; there's also less pressure than in a 1-1 lesson so students may relax and enjoy making music more
• Developing their skills in team work and co-operation, listening, concentration, and much more

Making music can also raise young people’s aspirations and achievements at school, and provide wider personal and life skills and benefits, not least skills for learning.

Photographs: Malcolm Pollock freelance photographer