From my own observations, having worked in music and music education for 40 years, it seems clear that music is a powerful thing. On one level it's something that can provide distraction, comfort and amusement. We use music in this way every day, both consciously and unconsciously. But at a deeper level music is something that changes lives and empowers us.
The act of musical participation means that we have to listen to others. We are part of a shared experience that means we naturally become a team player. The learning of an instrument required dedication and focus. In turn it rewards us big-time with something that brings so many parts of us together into something whole; the head and the heart. It's no surprise that much recent research points to the healing power of music as well as to its ability to bond people together and cross boundaries of all kinds.
The work of SaMM is founded on these principles and evidenced by the variety and openness of the work that goes on every Saturday morning. All styles of music and levels of ability sit side by side, with opportunities for self expression and the consideration of others central in many of its activities. We need music and organisations like this more than ever.
