Children in one of Aberdeen’s most deprived communities are now hitting the right notes thanks to a radical new music project, a report published today says.
Big Noise provides free music tuition as well as an orchestra programme, to pupils and pre-school children in Torry’s Walker Road and Tullos Primaries.
Research suggests that the scheme, run by the charity Sistema Scotland and supported by Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government, has enhanced participants’ ability to learn in school, as well as improving emotional wellbeing.
The independent study, led by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH), also identifies improvements in the confidence and esteem in those taking part, as well as the acquisition of a range of social and life skills.
Big Noise currently works with more than 500 local school children aged three to nine in Torry, which is ranked as one of the most deprived areas of Scotland.
Today’s report, based on 130 of the children, describes the initial findings from a long-term study of the impacts of three Big Noise centres in Stirling and Glasgow as well as Torry.
In 2015/16 the city council provided £243,000 to support the project with a further £82,000 coming from Creative Scotland, private trusts, foundations and donors.
Chris Harkins, senior public health research specialist at GCPH said: “We found that the strong partnerships which exist with local schools and the broader community, the intensity and accessibility of Big Noise alongside the teaching methods used by the musicians, are pivotal to the positive impacts observed to date. Importantly Big Noise is effectively engaging children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “Our vision is for a more prosperous future for all those we serve in Aberdeen and this project demonstrates the innovative approach we are taking. ”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to closing the poverty related attainment gap in education and ensuring that every child has the same opportunity to succeed regardless of their background, household income or where they live.”
Nicola Killean, chief executive of Sistema Scotland added: “We are now building a convincing body of evidence across all our Big Noise centres which clearly demonstrates that children from the poorest backgrounds can gain significant life-changing skills by learning to play an instrument and being part of a Big Noise programme.”
