An Incredible Violin Concerto Performance

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Year 12 student, Sarah Ziswa, who recently performed a full violin concerto for a captivated audience. This impressive feat highlights the success of our Music Keys programme, which provides every child at BISA the opportunity to learn a musical instrument from the age of 8 as part of the curriculum. Performing a concerto is a significant milestone for any classical musician, and Sarah’s dedication and talent shine as a beacon of what our programme can achieve.

Sarah’s musical journey began when she joined BISA in Year 5. “My violin journey began at the age of 9,” Sarah recalls, “when I was a new student. Before that, I had little experience with musical instruments, apart from a few piano lessons. However, the Music Keys programme encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and I chose to try the violin. That decision created a passion for music that has only grown stronger over the years.”

Taking on a concerto is a considerable undertaking, requiring significant practice and dedication. Sarah shared her experience: “When I first started learning the concerto, I remember thinking, 'Wow, I’m never going to be able to finish this.' However, as I continued to practice, everything slowly came together. I’m proud to say that I was able to perform the entire piece in front of an audience. This accomplishment means a lot to me, especially since performing in front of a crowd has always been a challenge. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved and excited to see what’s next on my musical journey.”

Sarah’s dedication to her music has taught her valuable life lessons that extend beyond the concert hall. “Playing the violin has taught me that consistency is key,” she explains. “The countless hours I’ve dedicated to practicing have truly paid off, as reflected in my improvement. I hope to apply this lesson to all areas of my life - whether it’s in my A-level studies or the sports I participate in. I’ve learned that persistent effort leads to progress, and I look forward to carrying this mindset forward.”

Sarah’s success story perfectly illustrates the many benefits of learning a musical instrument, which extend far beyond musical proficiency. Research consistently demonstrates that musical training enhances cognitive development in several ways. Studies have shown that learning an instrument improves:

• Memory: Musicians develop exceptional memory skills, as they must memorise musical pieces, rhythms, and patterns.
• Coordination: Playing an instrument requires fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Concentration: Practicing music requires focus and sustained attention.
• Problem-solving: Musicians frequently encounter challenges that require creative problem-solving skills.
• Academic Performance: Studies have shown a positive correlation between music education and improved academic performance, particularly in subjects like mathematics and language.

At BISA, we believe in the power of music education to enrich our students’ lives and contribute to their overall development. Sarah’s inspiring performance is a wonderful example of the positive impact of our Music Keys programme, and we congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.

We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.