A series of notes, tones and melodies meant to create music often tend to lead to the beginning of symphonies, building into a crescendo. When the crescendo reaches its peak, this is what you’ll know: the whole musical experience of humanity has been a continuous creative activity. Music is part of the fabric of our society; it is etched in the heart of human experience. Music comes alive – revived and invigorated, universally acknowledged for fostering humane connection and emotional comfort.

A 2016 study carried out by the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute unveiled that music can accelerate brain development of children, especially in relation to language acquisition. As a child learns to sing the first few words, and thereafter songs and rhymes – they build their ability to remember long strings of information. But one of the most important features of children who engage in music is their ability to socially connect with people around them. Bonds between parents and children, and later amongst cultural groups are built and strengthened through shared experiences of music. Studies have shown that participating in music and art can alleviate pain, help manage stress, promote wellness, enhance memory and improve communication. Etched in these principles, the Yamaha School of Music and Arts fosters creativity within children as young as five years old, engaging them with rhythm and sounds to carefree delight while enhancing their knowledge in music. The School currently has more than 500 students under its wing with 15 well-qualified teachers training them in instruments ranging from the piano, organ, guitar, drums, violin, composing and voice training. They also provide practice sessions on instruments. It is a space for participation and self-improvement coupled with nurturing therapeutic elements unique to music. The Yamaha School of Music and Arts thus contributes to every child’s growth whether as an individual or as a part of a collective to build their talent while inculcating a sensitivity towards understanding their environment in fostering educational experiences in which s/he is able to find deeper meaning and solace. More details on the programs offered could be inquired through 076 292 7629.

Music as an art form is deeply etched in creativity. As children explore music they subconsciously dissect their inner artistry and creative thought process. Learning to play a musical instrument is not an easy task, and as children navigate through the structures, notes and the systems surrounding the formation of soulful pieces, they slowly enhance their innate talents. Experimentation plays an important role here, as children may develop their own sensibilities to create new pieces merely by playing with an instrument gives them joy.

“The most striking commonality between music and art is that both are non-verbal languages. But in addition, there are elements of art and music, which share striking commonalities. The standard visual art elements are line, colour, texture, value, space, shape and form. These elements in the visual arts atelier correlate with elements in music in interesting ways” a statement by Professor Wendell Hanna San Francisco State University. Colours are similar to the timbre, texture is the movement and direction of the voice and instruments, and space becomes rhythm in music. Every child is a wielder of this practice and as a priority possesses that of being respected and valorised in his/her own identity, uniqueness, difference and their realization of their own potential and capability to grasp artistic notions.

Click below to read the full article. 

ARTRA is Sri Lanka’s Art Magazine exploring curated content on Sri Lanka’s visual art, performance art, applied art and written art. Launched in 2012, ARTRA Magazine is a compact monthly art read providing a comprehensive understanding on Sri Lankan artists, art events, monthly art calendars and the Sri Lankan design landscape. In sum, all you need to know about art in Sri Lanka.