One of the pianos was placed in the dining hall for students to use more spontaneously, helping to spread the benefits of instrumental playing and address music inequality.
When clearing the old Oval school building (after responsibility for managing our land and buildings returned to us in 2023) we were keen to find good homes for items which could be used by others. We were very pleased to gift two pianos to the Archbishop Tenison’s CofE High School in Croydon.
Recent feedback from the music department shows that these pianos have provided greater access for students, transforming their engagement with music. This is wonderful to hear, particularly as there is a growing body of research which links musical learning with cognitive development, creativity, emotional wellbeing, social skills and academic achievement.
The costs of lessons and equipment means that formally learning an instrument remains out of reach for many students. However, placing pianos in communal areas such as libraries, dining areas, study centres and corridors gives students the opportunity to explore music whenever they have the time and interest. A communal piano can encourage young people to practise, experiment, compose, collaborate, and perform in a low-pressure environment, also allowing others to watch and listen. It is encouraging to hear that all students can have a go and discover new interests, even if they might not have previously believed that learning an instrument is for them.
The opportunity for spontaneous playing has fostered creativity, social interaction and cultural exchange.
Head of Music, Archbishop Tenison’s CofE High School, Croydon