Benefits Of Performing In An Ensemble
Learning to play an instrument has tremendous benefits to our personal development. Music fosters creativity and expression. Through music, we can learn dedication, perseverance, problem-solving, and so much more. Additionally, music has been shown to improve cognitive abilities like memory, focus, and language development. Not only that—music is fun, and it’s something that spans cultures and connects people across time.
But what about performing in an ensemble?
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the benefits of performing with others and why being part of a music ensemble is such a powerful experience.
Musical Studies
Let’s look at a few studies that explore the impact of playing music with others.
In a 2024 study on the effects of music study on a young person’s life, two researchers observed 15 young musicians between the ages of 12 and 18 who were part of a music education program in England. Over the course of the one-year study, they found that students developed greater self-confidence and improved cognitive skills—including growth in areas like critical thinking and self-awareness. The students also showed stronger communication and interpersonal skills.
The study also noted that while the students faced challenges learning their music within the ensemble, they learned how to work through those challenges and solve problems together.
Similarly, in a different study, another group of researchers looked at the role of emotional skills in music and found that playing music with others helps develop important traits like teamwork, collaboration, respect, and empathy.
Other Benefits
These studies highlight what we as educators see in our ensembles on a daily basis. There are so many valuable life skills being developed in our ensembles beyond just learning how to play an instrument.
Being a part of an ensemble fosters:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Respect
- Critical thinking
- Perseverance
In order to create music together, students must learn to collaborate and solve problems as a group. During rehearsals, they share ideas, listen to one another, and work toward a common goal of perfecting the music.
Music also builds social connection. It’s something that we as people naturally bond over. When students perform together, they connect through something they all enjoy and care about—making music.
Leadership
Performing in a music ensemble also gives students the opportunity to build leadership skills. When given the chance, students can take on responsibilities within the group—like leading warm-ups or tuning, modeling a technique for others, or helping classmates learn a new skill.
They can also take on practical roles, such as passing out music, setting up the room, or organizing music. These responsibilities help build leadership, ownership, and confidence. All of these things contribute to a student’s overall growth and self-esteem.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, there are so many benefits to being in a music ensemble. Students gain important life skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership, all while making music with others and working toward a shared goal.
Whether you’re a parent or an educator, supporting ensemble opportunities for students is one of the best things you can do to help them grow—not just as musicians, but as people.
Citations:
Bussu A, Mangiarulo M. Playing music together: Exploring the impact of a classical music ensemble on adolescent's life skills self-perception. PLoS One. 2024 Jul 11;19(7):e0306326. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306326. PMID: 38990888; PMCID: PMC11239010.
Bussu, Anna, and Marta Mangiarulo. "New Research Highlights Benefits of Classical Music Ensembles for Adolescents." The Violin Channel, 13 Aug. 2024, https://theviolinchannel.com/new-research-highlights-benefits-of-classical-music-ensembles-for-adolescents/.