WAMTA is a proud Act Belong Commit Partner. In support of their Feelgood Feb initiative, we are highlighting the mental health and wellbeing benefits of being active, particularly with other people.
Just being around people has mental health benefits. A good start is greeting or saying hello to your neighbour or acknowledging people as they walk past. Any positive social interaction is beneficial.
Chatting and connecting with others is not only enjoyable, but also provides us with a support base when we need it. Sharing the good times and being supported in the no-so-good times is what friendships are all about. Getting together with friends and family, and doing it regularly, increases your mental wellbeing.
We help provide this connection by organising monthly social events, to give you the opportunity to catch up with likeminded people and chat about common interests, and receive support from others. Our next social event is our February Social afternoon tea, coming up next week on February 9th in Victoria Park. We also organise coffee catchups and a Christmas party, and also include an afternoon tea with our AGM to encourage members to stay on and chat with each other.
As music teachers, we know how beneficial playing music is to our mental health. Music truly is a language that transcends borders, bringing joy to all. Sharing music with others increases that enjoyment. The gift of music is one that students can hopefully enjoy for a lifetime.
We provide performance opportunities to help bring musicians together.
Being active is not just limited to physical activity! It could also include being mentally, socially, spiritually, and culturally active, all of which have been proven to boost your mental wellbeing.
Spending time with friends and colleagues fuels your sense of belonging, contributing to defining your sense of self, and satisfies the psychological need for friendship. Keeping active with likeminded people also increases your enjoyment of the activity, making it more likely that you will do it again!
One way you can do this through WAMTA is to volunteer on one of our committees, or volunteer at one of our events. We always welcome new faces on the WAMTA Council; our AGM is coming up in March.
We would also love people to assist with the Recital & Concerto Competition, either with planning, or volunteering with registrations and other logistics during competition days.
We know how isolating it can be to teach music privately from your home. The West Australian Music Teachers' Association is here to provide opportunities to get out of the house and meet with others regularly, and to come together in our shared enjoyment of music.
Let us know if there are other ways you would like us to help support you as a music teacher, as well as days/times and locations that work better for meet ups.
