Welcome to the world of music at Forte

It is almost 10 years since I became Principal at Forte School of Music Eastwood and Parramatta. Much has changed. One thing remains constant - the pleasure we get from sharing our passion for music with all our students.
As the world of science continues to prove just how wonderful learning and playing and sharing Music is on so many levels - intellectual, social, emotional, psychological - and at so many age levels, I still am at a loss to understand why the learning of a musical instrument in this country is still considered by so many as an optional extra to our education.
We will continue to keep spreading the word that Music Rocks; Music Rules; Music Makes Wonders; Music Changes Lives.
This is YOUR forum to share musical experiences, triumphs, achievements, words of musical wisdom. It's way past time to recognise the power of Music in EVERYONE'S life agenda - from the Cradle to the Grave.
Margaret

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

A must watch video

**NEW** Polls!

Take some time to participate in one of the Polls. One on the left is for Students. And there's one for Parents as well - on the right! We'd love to hear from you.

The Joy of Music

Teaching music allows me some rare privileges that many people would never to get to experience. Watching young children immerse themselves in the music with unbridled enthusiasm is truly one of the most rewarding aspects. I will never forget watching a young Jungle Music (3 yrs old) student in my class singing with his eyes closed and with not a care in the world feeling the music in his whole body. My heart clenched and I thank God for letting me witness that moment of pure joy.
I urge all parents to not only encourage music into their children's lives but to take a moment to watch your child - when they are gripped by a particular song, or singing a tune with their eyes closed, dancing to a cool song or playing their favourite piece of music on their instrument. You may just catch that moment of pure bliss and when you do, you know you will truly be witnessing the greatest success a parent can have, that is, bringing joy into your child's life through music.

The Benefits of Music - a lifetime to discover!

This week I have listened to 3 different programs on both radio and TV about the benefits of learning music. It warms my soul when the truth comes out, and especially in such a flood of recognition of something we have known for ever! There is irrefutable evidence of just how good Music is for us - from the Cradle to the Grave is how I describe it.

I just wonder how long it will be before EVERYONE understands just how important it is to make Music one of the CORE elements of their education! It has for too long been delegated to the 'Optional Extras' of life.

Parents and caregivers and educators I think have a responsibility to younger generations and be sure we do all we can to involve and immerse children in music from as early an age as possible. There is no point asking a young child whether they WANT to learn! We know why they SHOULD and there is no excuse to hesitate - or pass the decision making onto these very ones whose very lives need the best of foundations - intellectually, culturally, emotionally and socially.

Go to the side of the this blog and read the links which have come from some of these recent investigative media presentations to remind yourselves of why you need to act now!