Musical Output

When I was a primary school teacher, I produced numerous shows throughout the academic year. Plays, dramas, musicals, talent shows, and competitions. In fact, music was deeply embedded into school life. Choirs, instrumental ensembles, drumming groups, composition classes, performing arts, and percussion clubs. 

I believed so passionately in the power of music to empower, heal, and transform that I was determined to share my passion with others and demonstrate its impact.
 

Ritchie and Williamon (2007) claim that belief in one’s musical abilities is paramount to performance success. Output is something that is produced.

Musical output is a musical product, for instance, a performance. A performance is the showcasing and sharing of a rehearsed piece of music. Musical output that children produce is hugely welcomed by audiences. Parents, siblings, extended family, and friends all embrace, support and encourage children when they showcase their endeavours.

Some children are natural born performers, and others need a lot of guidance, support and encouragement. Small children. Big stages. Lots of eyes looking at them. This can be a very scary situation for young ones. It takes bravery and self-belief. Confidence, self-esteem, and self-determination.

Recently, I have become more aware of the impact music, and in particular, collaborative music improvisation can have on children. Children of all ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds can take part and collaborate in music sessions in real-time. I have often led such musical activities and the results have been outstanding.

Every single child has a place. Every single child is needed. Every single child feels needed. They work together, creatively, effectively, and happily. I lead the sessions through visual stimuli and gestures. The children watch, and effectually execute a directive when instructed. This type of music activity has led to significantly enhanced cognitive ability, originality, social skills, communication, and emotional wellbeing. I refer to this type of innovative and all encompassing music as The MIC © Approach.