Every child needs music! Richard Gill AO

Tania Rashidi | 28 October, 2021


          
            Every child needs music!  Richard Gill AO

We teach music because it is unique and good.

We teach music so that children can make their own music.

We teach music because it acts in a unique way on the heart, mind, soul and spirit of the child,

Stimulating thought and imagination in very special ways.

These are the real reasons for teaching music.

There are, as well, some wonderful bonuses of a tangible nature which can eventuate when music is taught.

It is a matter of fact that the faculty of hearing is one of the first faculties developed in the womb.

It is also a fact that in order to comprehend music, hearing, in the form of focused listening and strong concentration, must occur.

Development of powers of concentration, together with the ability to listen with discrimination and heightened perception, have a profound impact on all learning in the life of a child.

It is no longer anecdotal but a matter of scientifically proven fact that children who have good, strong music teaching have advantages in all other areas of learning.

These are the bonuses; the adjuncts to the real reasons for teaching music.

The same is true of good, well- taught physical education.

Physical education and arts education should book-end the curriculum, with music being at the forefront, as early as possible in the life of a child.

Richard Gill; Sydney Morning Herald 2013

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As an Australian music educator, today is a significant day as we mark the three year anniversary of the passing of Richard Gill.

Richard Gill was an Australian conductor.

A music educator and HUGE advocator for music education of children.

And an astounding human being.

A testament to Richard Gill, to music, to those he has influenced and the power of connection.... this was the scene outside his home, as word got around that Richard was leaving this world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd8sZDqrCFk

With a crazy head of hair and a passion for music and children that was incredible, Richard’s greatest legacy is his wish for all young children to have access to music.

I share his passion and enthusiasm for teaching and music for children.

I too wish that all children have access to music.

Music does something to a child that no other activity can.

If you’ve ever joined a Busy Bees Music class, you’ve probably seen its power already, in just one class.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, ready STOP (I bet you said the just like in class LOL)

Through music your child learns to listen, to create, to express.

Through music your child hears, moves and sings.

Through music your child hears patterns, ideas and instruments.

Through music your child is connected to themselves, to you, to others.

Through music your child connects to others in a social capacity.

Richard Gill had a vision that all children will have access to music.

Last year, a pioneering music-based primary school opened it’s doors in Muswellbrook, based on the philosophy and vision of Richard Gill.

The central element of the curriculum is that every child will start the day with music and physical activity.

Incredible.

Putting the power of music and of movement together.

The school motto is Musica Motuque Floreamus which is latin for Through music and movement let us flourish.

We can only hope that the word gets round and this will become the norm for the future of education in Australia

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Hot on the heels of Richard Gill is Dr Anita Collins.

Dr Collins is an Australian neuromusical educator, researcher and a huge campaigner for music for every child.

She was a TEDx speaker in Canberra in 2014.

She was the expert and main on-screen speaker on the ABC’s Don’t Stop the Music.

In 2018 she was named music educator of the year at the Australian Women Music Awards.

She works with politicians and parliament campaigning for better music education in Australia.

She is the founder of Bigger Better Brains.

She has written a book called The Music Advantage which explains brilliantly, why music is your kiddo’s best advantage.

https://www.busybeesmusic.com.au/products/the-music-advantage-dr-anita-collins

I have trained with Dr Anita Collins as a Bigger Better Brains educator.

 

And as a Bigger Better Brains educator I can tell you that music truly is the advantage.

Like all us music educators she too shares the vision of more music for our young children.

Whether your kids enjoy Lah-Lah’s Big Live band, the Wiggles, watch Bluey or have joined us at a Busy Bees Music class, you have already seen the benefits of music.

You already know kids LOVE music.

You already know the power of music.

You already know gives move to music.

They lose themselves in music.

They imagine.

They connect.

Their brains are happy

So really, you as parents, whether you know it or not, are already part of that vision for a greater world for our children.

When you see your kids love music, you are already part of the movement that is music.

Thank you for sharing that vision with us all.

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So as you go about your errands today, make music a part of your day.

Consciously.

Not just today, but every day.

Sing it, play it, move to it, dance to it.

Turn up that favourite song in the car.

Change nursery rhyme to suit your errands,

Put it on a song and just be still.

Turn the stereo on in the lounge room and have a boogie.

Nappy changes, breakfast time, car trips, shopping trips, bath time, bedtime.

Music changes the brain in a way that no other activity does and it is powerful.

Very powerful.

It’s truly is your best parenting tool!

Dr Collins says 10 minutes at the start of the day is enough to create positive long lasting change.

So start your morning with a song.

Today and every day.

If you’re not sure where to start with music, here's a couple things you can do:

  • Download the Kindermusik app and check out our series on IG or FB on How To Music Everyday!  (Busy Bees fams make sure you log in to access all your class music). 
  • Or find a music class in your area and sign up!

 

And challenge yourself to incorporate 10 minutes of music with your kiddo every day.

Music is one of the biological languages of the brain.

Music grows brains.

Music makes connections.

The brain works best when it is in an optimum state:   being safe, loved and protected.

Music helps the brain feel safe, loved and protected.

Music and the brain are great friends!

And just like great friends, they make each other happy.

And happy brains makes happy kids.

So enjoy our children with music.

Today.

And every day.

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So maybe you didn’t even know you were part of this vision.

Of Richards vision.

Of Dr Anita Collins.

Of my vision.

Of the vision of all early childhood music educators.

As we celebrate Richard Gill and music today, grab yourself coffee and enjoy his comedic passion and know that you are part of something greater than itself.

M U S I C ! ! ! !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Z6xCqG47A

As an Australian music educator, I feel I have a duty.

A duty to continue Richard’s legacy.

To keep his memory alive in the children that I reach and teach every day!

We're making plans to reopen our studio with a bunch of new programs for kids of all ages and abilities.

Check out our website for more details.

www.busybeesmusic.com.au

I look forward to the journey ahead and the memories we will make together.

See you in class.

💛 Miss Tania 🐝