Q&A: Sarah Watts

What was your introduction to music?

Because I was fortunate to be brought up in such a creative, almost bohemian house where music was around, I don't know when my love of music started exactly – it was just always there. My mother was a jazz pianist and encouraged me to improvise on the piano before I could even play properly, and we had jam sessions with musician friends regularly. From a really young age, it was always understood that I could be a musician if I wanted to.

How did you become involved in music education?

I was lucky to be the product of the people that inspired me, all of whom had a real heart for music education – whether it was my mother, who was always teaching music, or Avril and John Dankworth, of National Youth Music Camps.

The Dankworths’ camps had a big influence on my life. From a young age I went to the Avril Dankworth music camp and then when Avril retired, I became the artistic director. Through this, I was given a lot of opportunities to write music for young people, especially as there was a new camp musical every year.

What inspired you to create educational music books for children?

At the time when I was writing, there wasn't a lot of music education material that was upbeat and fun – it all felt a bit stuffy and serious. I wanted to write material that was accessible and inspiring, and above of all useful for teachers. I wanted my books to ignite the flame in kids because they were not only having fun but a part of something that felt special. That's why I write the music the way that I do, so even if they're playing just two notes, the accompaniment makes it sound sophisticated. It's crucial to grip young people early and give them quality musical experiences that are fun because it's something that they'll remember forever.

Do you think learning an instrument can give someone a newfound confidence?

Most definitely! I think music education should never be underestimated. If you're a good teacher, there are always inspiring moments, since you tailor your teaching to each pupil. You give your student what they can do, not what they can't do, focussing on tasks that will help them build their skills and take them to the next level.

I have one student now who's grown so much, simply through studying music. When I first met her, she was very quiet and lacked confidence. She is just about to move on from the school where I teach and now, she's a completely different person, simply through her instrument giving her opportunities and an identity.

What is your favourite instrument to play and teach?

The instrument I play the most now is the saxophone, I play in bands and ensembles and I do love teaching it. However, I get a special buzz, from teaching the bassoon – it's such a characterful instrument. Playing the bassoon opened lots of doors musically and socially for me when I was growing up, because it was such an unusual instrument and there weren't many people around who played it. I feel now when I teach the bassoon that I'm giving those opportunities back to other people as well. They're playing an instrument that's going to change things for them and allow them to meet new people. I feel as if I'm passing on a special gift to my bassoon students.

What can students gain from learning an instrument?

We must never underestimate the power of music and the infinite advantages of learning any instrument. It has been well documented and proven that playing music can positively influence all kinds of learning and cognitive development. It helps you gain key mathematical and historical skills, teaches you how to multitask and how to relate to others – it just has you using the brain in so many different ways.

Anything else to add?

We have such a huge responsibility as music educators, we can either inspire our students or put them off. When you teach music, you're giving someone a gift for life. It's important to think of the people that inspired us as teachers, and how we need to be that person for others.