The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously said: “Music is the universal language”.
As head of music at Southbank International School, not a day that goes by where I don’t consider this statement to be true. Indeed, we teach students from over 70 different countries to both play and understand music through the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
For many of our students, English is not their mother tongue, and for those coming to the UK and learning a new language, some of the more academic subjects can be more difficult to comprehend. With music however, students are able to access learning immediately, no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or when in the school year they join the class.
“With music, students are able to access learning immediately.”
The truth is, learning music has enormous benefits for young people, particularly when experiencing different changes in their lives, be that a new school, a new home, city and country or new friends.
At Southbank, students learn music from the age of three, and through methods such as Suzuki – which is taught from the age of five when students learn either the violin or cello. They are able to develop both their music and communications skills, learning at their own pace regardless of their ability or previous experience.
Through learning music, we can give students an international language that transcends cultures and beliefs. Students often come to us with little or no knowledge of English, yet we find that in learning music, they are better able to communicate with their peers and participate in class.
They are encouraged to write songs in their home language and to share musical ideas and influences with one another. This helps to foster a shared appreciation of cultures and backgrounds, which also helps students to develop their own sense of belonging and cultural identity.
“We can give students an international language that transcends cultures and beliefs.”
For younger children in particular, the Suzuki method is taught through listening and repetition, prior to reading music. As a practice it enables children to learn at their own pace, no matter when they start their learning, nor what previous experience they have had. As international educators we are then better able to integrate them into the curriculum and further develop their skillset.
Suzuki is a developmental programme that plays into the very ethos of the IB, helping to nurture and develop the whole child, while supporting the IB’s mission to encourage students to be internationally minded, knowledgeable and all-rounded individuals.
It’s pioneer, Dr Shinichi Suzuki, said: “Music is the language of the heart without words.” With this in mind, music can provide the perfect platform for students to take action and support local community initiatives. This might take the form of an annual event where students go busking in their local area, taking their instruments and performing to the public in order to raise money for local charities. Or they might bring their music to local care homes, performing for residents and encouraging dialogue and communication between generations.
“Music can provide the perfect platform for students to take action and support local community initiatives.”
Whatever initiatives the students undertake, music offers a brilliant springboard for community service and giving back, empowering them to become responsible members of local, national and global communities. As a discipline music can support their development into internationally minded people who recognise their common humanity and help to create a better world.
As with all forms of performing arts, music equips young people with the confidence and life-skills for the future, whatever path they may choose. A dynamic, live and often collaborative art form, it also helps to foster self-belief and an ability to work as part of a team. These are all essential in the world of work they will be entering.
“Pupils develop a greater sense of belonging as they perform alongside peers.”
We place great emphasis on performance at Southbank, where we encourage students from kindergarten right the way through to the Diploma to stand up in front of their class or the wider school community and perform.
By doing this, they not only develop their own confidence and self-belief but develop a greater sense of belonging as they perform alongside peers.
In today’s increasingly competitive and fragmented world, music truly is a universal language that can improve access to learning and support young people to develop the skills they need.