Jordan (Grade 3) learns the double bass from Ben Hanlon (MSO Double Bassist) as part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Pizzicato Effect program.

Jordan’s Mum, Mandy, noticed a remarkable boost in Jordan’s enthusiasm towards school since being involved in the program and has loved watching her child develop confidence, a love of music and a strong bond with his bass teacher, Ben.

Jordan’s Story
Ben is special to me because he teaches me music. I wanted to play the double bass ‘cause its tall like me. It’s cool learning with Ben and I like the music we play. Learning the double bass has taught me how to be more confident. And I feel like that confidence goes with me a little bit everywhere now.

Mandy’s Story
Since Jordan began in the Pizzicato Effect program, he has become more engaged at school. Jordan feels very connected to Ben, and tells me that “Ben is the best!” He often draws pictures for Ben. I think it is important for Jordan to have a male role model like Ben in his life. His confidence has improved so much and I think being in this program also helps Jordan with his memory and his learning. I was amazed when he got up to perform in front of the whole school. I never thought he’d ever do anything like that!

Ben’s Story
I have had many great experiences teaching as part of the MSO’s Pizzicato Effect program at Meadows Primary. The students are always wonderful, attentive and appreciative. Jordan is a key example of this. He loves playing his double bass and always turns up to his lessons excited and ready to learn. He has come a long way in a short period of time, and I am tremendously grateful to have sparked his love affair with instrumental music. Jordan often brings me pictures he has drawn of me and tells me “I’m cool”. It is very flattering to receive this adulation (as a classical music nerd, one does have to wonder what Jordan will think when he meets a really cool adult!). We have a great teacher-student relationship and I look forward to what Jordan will accomplish.

The Pizzicato Effect
The Pizzicato Effect is a partnership between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Meadows Primary School, which creates new learning pathways for children in Broadmeadows through the introduction of instrumental music teaching. The MSO provides all instruments, weekly instrumental and aural lessons lead by a team of MSO teaching artists, performance opportunities and the option for children, families and teachers to access MSO rehearsals and concerts.

The impact of the program within the school and the Broadmeadows community has been hugely positive.

The children have developed a strong relationship with their MSO mentors and a love of music, and their classroom teachers have reported improved focus, self-confidence, grades and behaviour. Formal research into the developmental assets, social-emotional wellbeing and educational impact acquired from participation in The Pizzicato Effect is currently being conducted by the University of Melbourne.

The Pizzicato Effect is generously supported by a number of individual donors and Foundations. On the basis of the impact, momentum and extraordinary motivation now being experienced, further support is currently being sought to ensure the project and its potential for these students and others is realised into the future.