Music benefits for all ages

Gunnedah Conservatorium instructor Sandy Clark says music can offer something to people at any age.

“There is so much research now about the benefits of music,” she said.

The Gunnedah piano teacher said singing can be particularly beneficial for overall good health, including older Australians.

She described how the release of vocal chords was not only great for our physical and mental health, it also “just makes you happy”.

“Singing works on so many levels,” Sandy said.

When performed alongside other people, singing also helps foster social connections.

Gunnedah’s community choir is among the group singing activities on offer.

The choir is open to people of all ages and experience levels. Participants come from varied backgrounds and all are encouraged to be themselves.

“When you’re with a group, you sound great – it can give a lot of confidence,” Sandy said.

The community choir practises everyday Wednesday from 6pm upstairs at the Gunnedah Conservatorium.

Another group of interest is the Singalongs which also meets on Wednesday evenings in the Gunnedah Town Hall and caters to a range of music genres. Current repertoire includes the music of The Seekers, Beatles, Elvis and Neil Diamond, songs from musicals and folk music.

Singalong members Sandra Jamieson and Adele O’Connell have made many friendships in the group since joining.

Adele said the Wednesday evenings spent singing with friends was her favourite time of the week.

“I come to Singalongs for the joy of singing with the new friends I have made along the way,” Adele said.

It was a similar story for fellow group member, Helen McKechnie.

“I come to Singalongs because I enjoy the music the company and it makes me feel young,” Helen said.

Activities for senior community members are not limited to group activities and in recent years the Conservatorium has seen an increase in adult members taking up individual tuition.

“Sometimes it is a case of having always wanted to learn an instrument, or perhaps they have a desire to brush up on skills from their youth,” director Rebecca Ryan said.

“It is wonderful to see older community members taking the opportunity to develop their music skills through individual lessons and our teachers are experts in tailoring their teaching approach and working with students to reach their goals, whatever their age.”