Music is a potent force, capable of influencing the minds and spirits of an entire generation. More often than not, it is the youth who are profoundly moved by its impact.
Beyond its enchanting melodies however, music can be a stepping stone for personal development, instilling discipline, fostering creativity, and encouraging profound self-expression.
As youth navigate the complexities and emotions of their lived experiences, music becomes an ever-present companion, providing solace, joy, and ultimately serving as a medium for exploration.
Recognising the transformative potential of music, initiatives have been established worldwide to ensure accessible platforms for children, enabling not only learning but also inspiring them to play and create music. One notable endeavour that has taken root in the Sultanate is The Strings Project.
“This (Strings Project) was set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Belait District Branch of the Youth and Sports Department to help give opportunities to learn and appreciate the beauty and melodies of music,” said KB Music Academy’s academic manager Lam Kok Diing.
The project aims to cultivate a love for music that will resonate through the corridors of a child’s life, influencing personal growth and shaping the cultural fabric of the community.
Beyond teaching musical notes, The Strings Project aims to create an environment where children can discover their musical talents, collaborate with peers, and benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors. In doing so, it is planting the seeds for a future filled with harmony and creativity.
In addition to being an educational programme, The Strings Project also embodies a symphony of aspirations as it unites the passion of dedicated educators with the aim of unlocking the untapped potential within young minds.
“Learning how to play music can help build self-discipline as it involves meticulously reading and playing music regularly,” said Normajaeiah binti Haji Matasan, a mother whose children recently joined the programme.
“This helps create a positive mindset as they continue to hone and develop their skills, with slight but noticeable improvements seen along the way.”
Having attended both The Strings Project and a previous open music day event, she shared that her child has been captivated by music and motivated by the encouragement from the teachers and instructors of the school.
“She (her child) struggled to hold the violin properly, but with guidance from the music teacher as well as continuing to practise at home, she managed to overcome it and have started playing some melodies and songs.”
With her child’s sustained interest in music, Normajaeiah envisions them performing on stage alongside other like-minded violinists and musicians.
This aspiration extends beyond providing enjoyment to the audience; it aims to foster a sense of self-accomplishment and creative self-expression for her child.
In addition to fostering creative expression in young minds, Lam Kok Diing highlighted that music is a form of art transcending language as “music serves as a mode of communication, a universal language reaching out to touch people’s hearts and evoke a range of emotions through the melodies played and expressed by musicians”.
Drawing a parallel with sports, Lam Kok Diing explained that playing music is akin to practicing for competition, underscoring the dedication and discipline required in both pursuits.
“Playing music is like practising in sports, if one were to practise every day in their sport, they would gradually improve and the opposite is true. This applies to learning to play music. This is why I encourage them to practise every day as we can see the incremental progress.”
With a small and eager number of participating youth in the project, Lam Kok Diing noted that the project is not only open for youth but for all ages as long as they have a passion and love for music.
“My long-term vision for this project is to form an orchestra in the Belait District that performs for the local community and beyond in representing the district on the national and international stage,” he added.
In an era where the clamour of daily life may overshadow the nuanced personal growth of children, The Strings Project stands as a harmonious counterpoint.
It provides children with the chance to uncover their distinct voices in the symphony of life.
As the strings resonate and melodies unfold, children can harness the full potential of music, blossoming with confidence on stage as creative individuals who carry the transformative power of music into the future. – Daniel Lim
