Music has been recognised throughout history as an integral part of the human experience. A song can bring a memory back to us as if it were yesterday and A familiar tune can bring us comfort. It is no wonder that music has power far beyond the words that are sung.
Researchers are now finding that music promotes attachment between mother and baby. Through singing to and rocking their infant a mother is able to calm and reassure both herself and her baby. The sound of a calm mothers voice accompanied by the slow rocking or gentle bouncing or patting of their baby helps to reduce their infants stress hormones and and reassure them that they are safe. The Music with Me curriculum provides mothers with a variety of songs, rhymes and lullabies to help them become confident at reassuring their little ones and to continue to provide their growing child with a secure base from which they can explore and come back to.
As a child grows, the music that they listen to and participate in make, helps them to identify with their heritage as well as the heritage and culture of others. During sharing days at Hope Performing Arts Centre, parents are encouraged to share with the group songs, rhymes and stories that part of their heritage. In doing this each member of the group is given the opportunity to understand and respect those within the community. This strengthens the bonds of friendship between the caregivers with in the group and also provides a foundation for empathy and understanding for the children.
As the children progress through to the school aged program, they are given the opportunity to create, perform and share together the joy of the performing arts. In doing this they have the wonderful opportunity to explore how the performing arts helps shape the culture of those around them and how it can impact the lives of other.
One of the main goals for the students at Hope Performing Arts Centre is to provide a place where they can create, and perform in a way that serves and connects others while also providing a backdrop for exploring and communicating critical thoughts and ideas to the large community of South Western Sydney.
Great blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew
of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get
advice from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same
interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Thank you!
Hi Dolly,
There are many communities on Facebook that discuss a lot of music related subject. If you type your interest into the Facebook search bar and then click groups a list of groups will come up. Many of the groups will require you to be checked out first, so they will want to know if you are a music teacher or parent of a musician or a musician before they will accept you into the group. These are wonderful places to connect with other people who share the same interests as you. Happy Group Hunting.