Amid “previously unthinkable cuts” to music tuition, singing is one activity that must not be taken away. Singing not only brings joy and a sense of belonging to a school, but also provides numerous educational benefits.
Let’s explore three compelling reasons why we should encourage more singing in schools.
1. Fun and belonging
By incorporating singing into school activities, we can foster a positive and inclusive environment.
We need to look at opportunities for pupils to feel part of their school community. Communal singing helps children to come together and be part of a collective experience, regardless of home language, additional learning needs or barriers to learning.
“Songs last in children’s hearts and are a gift for life,” the school leader Sheila Laing has said.
Studies have shown not only that songs help children have fun, but can also give them a powerful sense of belonging. Music is truly remarkable in helping students feel connected to their peers and the wider school community.
2. Confidence
Singing has a transformative effect on both teachers and pupils, boosting their confidence. The act of expressing oneself through singing builds resilience, self-esteem and the belief that one’s voice matters.
One young person shared these words: “I had quite a hard time with various things growing up but the songs and the messages we learned from them stuck with me through all that.”
A lists various barriers that teachers feel are in place when it comes to embracing singing in schools, including teachers’ confidence and perception of their own skill levels.
Yet, whatever those barriers, we should not lose sight that by encouraging singing, teachers empower both pupils and themselves to embrace their unique abilities and overcome self-doubt.
3. Learning
Engaging in music learning has been linked with a positive impact on academic performance.
, highlights various benefits of music education: “Students who participate in music learning not only perform better academically but also contribute to their communities, form positive relationships, continue their education into university, earn more throughout their lives, and age better, both physically and cognitively”.
Putting it into practice
Recognising the value of singing in schools is just the first step, but how do we put it into practice?
There are plenty of online resources available that can make a difference to teachers. , for example, is a charity that nurtures children’s health and wellbeing through concerts that can be either online or in person, while the charity has generated useful digital guides.
One fun way to engage with music in the classroom is through singing games and icebreakers. Teachers and pupils alike might feel embarrassed to sing in public, so we should introduce singing in a natural way that feels fun.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland has made a free digital guide on .
Teachers without instrumental skills shouldn’t be afraid to teach music - your voice is an instrument and it would be a shame not to use it.
Simple call-and-response games can be a great way to make a start with singing and don’t require you to sound like a pop star.
Meanwhile, singing as a group can eradicate any embarrassment or hesitation around singing. Having everyone sing together brings a sense of anonymity and can be a lovely community-building exercise.
Let’s all recognise the immeasurable value of singing in schools - and ensure that it continues to enrich the lives of pupils. Perhaps you’ll find, like so many others, that once you start singing you won’t want to stop.
Richard Napier is headteacher at Balgreen Primary School in Edinburgh
