Reaching Out Through Music
Director
| Kirkland Adsett |
| Patricia Parr, Chair | Spencer Higgins | John Loosemore | David McPherson | Gloria Sheard | Aasta Levene |
Project brochure
Read an article from the Anglican newspaper on this project.
Reaching Out Through Music (ROTM) is a unique outreach project, sponsored by the Church of St Simon-the-Apostle. At the core of this programme is the idea that studying music offers much more in the way of benefits than simply acquiring the ability to play a musical instrument and a basic education in music fundamentals. While music's life-enriching effect is reason enough that its study be encouraged vigorously, this is just the beginning in a long list of "positives" derived from the study of music. Musical study has been shown to aid in the building of self-esteem and can provide a constructive outlet for self-expression. At an early age, an introduction to music has been scientifically proven to support healthy brain development. These functions are well documented in the natural and social science literature and education in music has been shown to correlate positively with academic achievement, including reading ability and mathematical skill. We anticipate that the ROTM project will thus stimulate academic performance, emotional maturation, and help to develop good citizenship, as well as a love for music.
Reaching Out Through Music offers private instruction to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14 in voice, piano, violin, viola, recorder and guitar. Interested children also have the opportunity to participate in a children's choir. The primary criterion for entry into the programme is a sincere interest in participation on the part of the applicant and a willingness to make the commitment of time and effort to reap the benefits. We believe that all children can enjoy the benefits of participation in music regardless of their level of ability, and the programme is open to all children in the community.
Our objective over time is to expand its offerings to include other instruments and to establish a programme for younger children while continuing support for older youth who have the ability and interest to pursue music as a serious avocation.
W. Kirkland Adsett
416-923-8714 Ext 208.
Your can contact the Reaching Out Through Music Project at rotm@stsimons.ca