During lockdown and the difficult months we have all experienced, one thing that united people stuck in their own homes was the power of music and the creative arts.

We came together in Zoom rooms and on social media platforms with new ways of playing, participating in and listening to music while at the same time we were inspired by the professional musicians and ensembles who streamed into our living rooms to provide inspiration and comfort.

However, whilst the power of music is often recognized on a personal level, it is increasingly becoming clear that music, and the creative arts more generally, can develop skills that are invaluable both in the 21st century workplace and in enhancing cultural understanding.

St Mary’s Music School is Scotland’s national music school and is one of five specialist music schools recognised by the UK government.

She gave the following examples as to how this plays out in the life of a pupil who has a focus on studying music:

“By concentrating on the smallest details of a score until you are content; by playing alongside others in a chamber group where there is no conductor and instead it is communication with your peers that results in a harmonious and fluid interpretation; by coming out onto a stage to introduce your repertoire and performing to an audience; by being open to feedback on how you play from your peers and learning from that insight; by composing new pieces and refining them; by being exposed to different genres of music from jazz to classical to early music and continually adapting your frame of reference; by being asked to listen, to comment on, to analyze and discuss; by being supported as young professionals from an early age each one of these activities in turn engenders a whole suite of skills that are transferable into all kinds of ‘real-world’ experiences.”

Meanwhile, at Leighton Park School, the focus on music is definitely underpinned by the belief that the future the school’s pupils will be facing is one with more mechanization and automation.

Said John Burnett, director of marketing and admissions: “Where our students will create value is in being innovative, tackling complex problems and thinking differently – all areas where creativity is vital. Over half of our students study an instrument with us.”

Last year Leighton Park won the national Award for Excellence in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education for its emphasis on combining the analytical subjects from STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with creativity from the arts.

This approach certainly reflects a philosophy that music and the arts provide additional crucial skills that will be essential in a world economy where so many – even advanced technical skills – will ultimately be automated.

At St Joseph’s College, music and the arts more generally are not only embraced for the 21st century employability skills they help develop, but also for the incredibly positive impact on mental health and development of cultural awareness.

“Our diverse range of artists’ workshops, student-led performances, cultural events and celebrations enhance the experience of every child in our care,” said Sabrina Deng, international liaison manager. “We know the arts make a positive difference to the well-being and happiness of all our young people and the students are at the heart of developing our arts offering.

“Helping them to develop a musical offering that explores the cultural diversity of our student body is also vital in helping build understanding between cultures and helping to develop truly global citizens. African drumming or beatboxing all styles of music are equally embraced.”

So, as movements like STEAM show, increasingly music and the arts are seen as offering vital skills that complement STEM.

Automation will mean that ‘human’ skills such as teamwork, resilience and creativity will be increasingly sought after by 21st century employers, but arguably more importantly, embracing the power of music from all cultures can lead to happier, more tolerant human beings.

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