By Michron Robinson on Monday, 27 September, 2021 at 02:07 PM

More students are being encouraged to get involved in music and possibly playing instruments, especially during the pandemic to aid with their mental health.

This is the view of Managing Director of Notes of Praise Inc., Vallis Jemmott who sits as head of that music school which is one of the largest of its kind on the island.

“We realise the importance of music with mental health at this point with everything that is happening with COVID it puts a lot of stress on the average person. The music overall helps but even playing a musical instrument takes you to the next level,” Jemmott maintained as he spoke to The Wallpaper exclusively.

“Everything from removing your anxiety, stress and depression and helps you to relax. It is a workout for your brain and it boosts your overall confidence.”

Jemmott used the example of one of his students who lost a close friend which resulted in sleepless nights. However, after picking up an instrument the student reported that she slept peacefully within the first week.

Pointing to the science of how music truly helps, psychologist and president of the Barbados Evangelical Association Dr. Nigel Taylor told The Wallpaper that music can truly aid the social and emotional well-being of students while also reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

“The whole idea of sitting down and playing a wind instrument and the piano helps you to unwind. You are unwinding from the worries that you have and maybe thoughts on COVID and the Delta variant and the number of people being quarantined and hospitalised,” Taylor explained.

He further noted that in this high-stress time, music can take students and people from the realm of challenges into the realm of therapy.

“This is one of the reasons why people listen to music - you wind yourself into a particular world and you concentrate on what is before you.

“When you can play an instrument, you get involved with a group that can do the same thing. You develop life skills, and you learn to work as a team."

Taylor, who also plays the keyboard, also underscored the importance of playing an instrument.

“It develops your brain, your concentration, your coordination and even your social skills,” the psychologist added.