Music is a powerful tool that can be used to engage people, and even change lives.
Music is very important to many young people around the world. Whether as a way of channelling aggression, expressing themselves, or just pure enjoyment, it is listened to and played by lots of teenagers.
Music, in any form, can be thought-provoking and motivating. It can serve as an inspiration, encouraging people to get involved and in some cases acting as an escape from difficult situations. It gives young people something to do, so that they don’t have to spend their time loitering on the streets.
Sam Jackson, a 17-year-old music student at Clarendon College, Nottingham, is passionate about music. He plays guitar in a band called ‘Stop the Wedding!’, and feels that music has had a big impact on his life: “Music has really changed the way I behave; it gave me something to focus on. Before I was playing music, I was directionless.
“Music can really change the way that young people think and give them a positive progressive attitude towards life in general and a passion for learning.
“It is important for young people to be involved in music because it has to progress and change, so there always have to be people at the front, pushing the change.”
Music clearly has a huge effect on people. It seems to have the ability to change people’s lives, however subtly it may be, and give them something to aim for.
Jack Smith, 17, plays the saxophone in Nottingham band ‘Made in the 80s’. He has been playing the saxophone for six years and also does some singing. He said: “Music gives people a sense of identity and aspirations. It allows them to express their feelings and explore their creativity.
“The band I’m in, Made in the 80s, is Indie-funk and our music is blues-based with influences from the Libertines and Brit Pop. We’ve done a number of gigs, including a performance with Kate Nash, and these have really boosted my confidence.
“Music is great because everyone can get involved.”
Another talented musician is 15-year-old Henry Burnett. The Grade 8 drummer and Grade 7 pianist said of music: “It’s one of the few languages that’s spoken worldwide, by young and old. When young people are involved in music it instantly opens a wealth of communication with like-minded people.
“Music is an excellent way of expressing yourself and, where young people might find that with their peers they may have to adopt a certain image, with music there are no boundaries, limits, or rules. Young people can express themselves freely with music.
“Music gives young people a sense of working towards something; there are always new things to learn and the more work you put in, the more you get out.”
