By Nick Gummeson, Director of Music
As a seasoned music educator and lifelong performer, I have spent decades watching young musicians discover who they are in the practice room and on the stage. It is in those moments of performance, when preparation meets vulnerability, that students experience some of the most profound and lasting growth.
At Elmwood, our approach to music education is not only about technical skill. It is about building the whole student. It is about nurturing courage, deepening expression, and creating space for voice and agency to take root. Performance plays a pivotal role in this process. Through it, students take ownership of their learning, step into leadership, and experience the incomparable confidence that comes from being seen and heard.
The research supports what we as educators witness every day. A 2015 study published in Psychology of Music by Paul Evans examined the relationship between music performance participation and psychological development in adolescents. The study found that students who engage in regular performance activities report higher levels of self-efficacy, motivation, and positive identity formation. These students were more likely to describe themselves as capable, engaged, and resilient—key traits that not only enhance academic achievement but equip them for life beyond school.
Crucially, the study also found that performing music in a group fosters a unique sense of connectedness and social belonging. Students reported feeling part of something larger than themselves, which in turn deepened their commitment and sense of personal accountability. For girls especially, this environment of collaboration and mutual support is vital. It provides a powerful antidote to the self-doubt and social pressures that can peak during adolescence.
At Elmwood, we see this impact firsthand. Students who once hesitated to play a single note aloud find their strength in solo and ensemble performances. They learn to take risks. They learn to recover from mistakes with grace. And they learn to stand tall in their own story.
We hope you will join us for our upcoming holiday concert on December 10th at 7:00 pm.
Should you have any questions about our music program, please don’t hesitate to contact me.