January 04, 2016
A musical education—or simply even access to musical instruments—can work wonders for many people. The act of just listening to music has revealed powerful therapeutic qualities, even assisting those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s in remembering pieces of their past. Going the extra mile and learning to play, and then to create music, has academic benefits for children. But the problem with learning to play an instrument—as is similar with high-cost sports like hockey—is a simple economic one: not everyone can afford it. Despite Jack White and his piece of wood and string, instruments can be very expensive. Try rigging together your own tuba.
A new program though, the Globe and Mail reports, could help change that. The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library in Kingston, ON named after the late local musician, has taken an extensive instrument collection and made pieces of it available to rent. After Chithalen’s death at 32 from an allergic reaction, his friends started the library in his memory. The community has already seen the positive impact of the library, noting that it has encouraged many children to become interested and excited about playing music.
While the program hasn’t yet moved into any other cities, the Parkdale branch of the Toronto Public Library may be the first to employ the program outside of Kingston. Sun Life Financial may provide sponsorship, although they “declined to speak about the project until it’s official,” the Globe and Mail says.
In Other News:
- Over the holidays, heavy metal legend Lemmy died. Countless musicians have taken to social media to talk about what his music meant to them.
- Studio Bell was named as one of the top nine destinations to visit in 2016.
- The unstoppable Eric Alper conveniently amassed 1000+ 2015 year-end lists. Get listening.
- You can now purchase the first four Justin Bieber albums on vinyl.
- A heavily-anticipated new Holy F–k album is on the way.
- Deadmau5 had a rough 2015, but he’s trying to start fresh.
