Many people turned to music during the first Covid lockdown, whether to dust off an instrument they hadn’t played for years, or to achieve long-standing ambition to learn Stairway to Heaven. But for most of us, music-playing during Covid was a fairly lonely affair. It turned out that using platforms like Teams or Zoom to play music with friends was almost impossible. It was all about the timing. It just couldn’t be done.
So why is it that playing music in a group, with other people, is such a wonderful experience? Scientists suggest that music impacts significantly on our ability to connect with one another. Performing music in a group requires us to co-ordinate with others to keep the rhythm or to harmonise. This co-ordination can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, giving us warm, positive feelings. Working together during a performance can increase trust and chances of future co-operation, which are important for social stability and evolutionary success. Experiments with mice and singers (not at the same time) have shown that making music can increase oxytocin levels, which is important for building bonds and trust between people. Music can also strengthen the parts of our brain that help us understand what others are thinking or feeling, thus increasing our empathy.
Staplehurst Music Centre has several musical ensembles and group-playing opportunities. Join us on Saturday mornings at Staplehurst Primary School to take part in:
- Chamber ensemble (10 to 11am). The group plays a range of classical music, ranging from film scores to more traditional pieces. It is currently playing Peer Gynt, by Greig. No previous orchestra experience is necessary.
- Ukulele group (11am to noon). The ukulele is one of the friendliest instruments: it’s easy to start playing, small, lightweight and inexpensive, and many popular songs can be adapted to it.
- Rock band (12.15 to 1.15pm), playing a mixture of popular cover songs and originals written by band members.
- Music Foundations classes for 2-8 year olds to develop musical skills and confidence through singing, rhythm work and experimenting with different instruments.
