Clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along! Music exists to help us express ourselves, and according to music teacher and musician Nathaniel Glasser Skog, it is central to development.
Growing up in a musical family, Nathaniel's interest in music was sparked early. With a mother who played the bassoon and two older brothers who played the violin, piano, cello and guitar, Nathaniel had a natural affinity for music. Nathaniel says his earliest memory of music was hearing his mum and brothers play.
- "My parents listened to a lot of music when I was a kid, so I was introduced to both recorded and live music from an early age," he explains.
Today, Nathaniel works as a music teacher and does projects both inside and outside the workplace. Sometimes he gets a gig or works as a musician, but he says he also does a lot of hobby playing where he composes and arranges music himself.
In what ways do you think music is good for children?
- I think it's good in lots of ways; it helps with confidence, processing emotions, becoming more coordinated. It has even been proven that children who study music or learn instruments have an improved learning ability even in other topics.
Nathaniel, who grew up in the United States, says that music played a bigger role in education there than it does in Sweden. To help motivate the students, he says he often tries to support the students' interest and help them.
- If I notice that a student is particularly interested in music, I try to help them get in touch with School of Culture for lessons or also private tutors, he explains.
Finally, Nathaniel explains that music is a human need that enriches our lives and helps us express ourselves.
- Music can really lift our spirits and unite people. Music is basically a universal language that everyone can relate to," he says.
Tips on how to bring more music into your daily life
- There are lots of fun games with music; dance stops, rhythm games and all the storms of the sea.
- Dare to try a new instrument.
- Listen to music while you bake, draw, play or do crafts.
