Scientific research done by Dr. Barry Bittman has now proven that playing a musical instrument, especially in a group setting can have a positive effect on the amount of stress we are feeling.

Why does it work?
Nurturing
Support
Camaraderie
Creativity
Acceptance
Achievement

The basic result is that the student is amazed that they are able to accomplish what they thought they could not. They are able to beautifully play music.

Dr. Bittman’s conclusion:
Creative musical expression can serve as a catalyst for meaningful verbal expression.

He also stated that when he asks most students what they like the most about their music lessons, their response is the same: their teacher.

Teachers have an incredible opportunity to change the lives of their students.

So why is music so great?

Forget music. “Pressure” is a word which seems to be attached mostly to sports heroes. Making the shot after the final buzzer. Positioning yourself to catch a ball that has been hit high into the glare of the floodlights, while seventy thousand fans at the ground hold their breath, and the remaining forty thousand are willing you to trip on your own shoelaces.

In of itself, pressure is actually neutral – it inherently neither good nor ill. It is simply a logical consequence of caring deeply about the outcome of a situation, while simultaneously being in a position where your actions can directly determine that outcome. Sports analogies are useful because they are the most tangible illustrations, but all adults know that pressure is a regular part of our professional lives, no matter what career we follow.  

Music students are in the unusual position of having to confront pressure at an early age, and having to confront it often. And despite the encouragement we are given to reduce stress in our lives, this early exposure to pressure is actually a priceless advantage.

Why? It means that when these music students are adults, pressure will feel like a familiar adversary, rather than a terrifying Portent of Doom. They will have faced it – and defeated it – in countless exams, concerts, workshops and lessons.  They learn to have it work for them, rather than sabotaging their best. And they learn to accept it as a natural part of doing things that matter.

Our music lessons won’t immunize them from being nervous at an important job interview or presentation. But the skills they acquired in working with nerves for their various music performances are transferable – control your breathing, frame the situation positively, focus on the job at hand rather than the consequences. And don’t go too fast.

So we are not merely music teachers.