NZ Music Month in May is a time to celebrate the important role music plays in the cultural life of Aotearoa, and the positive impact it can have on wellbeing, identity, and connection. By Artist Liaison Merrin Cavel.
At Toi Ora, music is one of the many art forms that enhances wellbeing. Through weekly acoustic guitar, singing, and music recording classes, our artists, or this case, musicians come together to create and connect.
Research from the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative shows that playing music at any age increases synaptic connections and builds grey matter, supporting cognitive skills, learning, and social and emotional development. Music has also been shown to reduce anxiety by up to 44%, reduce pain by 29%, and lower the need for wanting pain medication by 24%. At Toi Ora, these benefits are seen every week as artists build confidence in their skills and connect with other musicians.
Many musicians have attended the classes for years, united by a shared passion for singing, songwriting, instruments, and recording. One of Toi Ora’s music tutors, Paul, is a songwriter with more than 50 original works registered with APRA and agents in the United States and Europe. While proud to have his music heard internationally, Paul says it is equally meaningful to witness firsthand the positive impact music can have within local communities.
One person who knows the value of this connection well is Rikki, who has been attending Toi Ora’s Acoustic Guitar and Singing classes for the past two years. A talented guitarist, Rikki enjoys learning from both tutors and fellow musicians while sharing his own skills and experiences with the group.
Music has become an important creative outlet for him, particularly through playing his 12-string guitar and jamming at home with his amp turned up loud. Rikki hopes one day to form a band and begin performing live gigs. Inspired by artists including The Rolling Stones, Eagles, Santana, and Crowded House, he wants to record cover songs and continue to grow as a musician.
So this NZ Music month, let’s celebrate all our wonderful musicians, and a big round of applause for our very own musicians at Toi Ora!
