The new concert series, aimed at school children, hopes to stimulate better learning.

The beneficial effects of listening to classical music has been studied in school aged children for several years. One such study conducted by the University of London’s Institute of Education last year showed scholastic improvements, better social skills, and a higher level of attentiveness and concentration in young pupils who regularly listened to classical music. The conclusion of the experiment was that being exposed to classical music enhanced children’s listening skills, and those improvements led to better listening and understanding during other classroom activities.

The power of music to engage and inspire is now being used by the University of Technology, Sydney’s International Research Centre for Youth Futures. The first of a series of UTS Kids’ Proms was held by the Research Centre in December, featuring UTS resident ensemble the Australia Piano Quartet, who were joined by acclaimed composer Lyle Chan. Aimed at children in schools across Sydney, who are from mainly non-English speaking backgrounds or who experience learning challenges, it is hoped the workshop style performances will not only offer a nurturing, hands-on environment for children to hear, play and discover classical music, but will...