RIYADH: Saudi children gathered around the performance stage, each holding a musical instrument, performing for their families and loved ones is a scene that is being revived in the Kingdom’s schools again. This year Saudi Arabia is taking important measures to implement music as part of the school curriculum, with musical arts training programs for teachers. The qualifying program for musical art training implemented its first phase on Sunday, with over 7,000 kindergarten teachers enrolled in the four-week program, part of the strategy for developing cultural capabilities in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education, supervised by the Music Commission. The program’s ultimate aims are to develop the talents of young Saudis from an early age, and to enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi cultural and education sectors. It will enhance the abilities of kindergarten teachers who subsequently plan musical activities and lessons for children, teaching them, among other things, the characteristics of sound and related terminology. Songs and chants are a regular part of lessons conducted in kindergartens as they play an important role in children’s language development. Seeta Alqanas, a teacher at Dareen Kindergarten School at Jubail Industrial City, registered as a trainee for the program’s first implemented phase. “As a trainee of the program, we are learning how to chant songs with a melody that attracts the attention of children, and children will learn the types of music and instruments, and eventually be able to form a melody from a young age,” she said. “I personally like the program and am enjoying it, and I see that it is an important, fun element to (the) kindergarten curriculum, as it improves children’s listening and hearing skills.” The Kingdom’s move to expose Saudis to music from a young age ignites areas of children’s development and readiness for school, including intellectual, linguistic development, and social-emotional skills. “The program helps increase children’s linguistic development, builds their personality and self-confidence, and enhances their artistic taste,” said Reem Alkhelaiwi, a teacher at Al-Zarqa Kindergarten School. “In line with Vision 2030 and keeping with its development, I think this step is very important as music is the common language of mankind.” Alkhelaiwi tried to register for the program’s first phase but missed the chance and is eagerly waiting for the program’s second phase to be announced. “The program is necessary for every kindergarten teacher as it gives teachers a better way to present songs in a professional, musical way,” she said. Research has long suggested that listening to and playing music helps reduce anxiety, stress and elevates mood. Listening and playing music can also help regulate children’s emotions and can significantly influence emotion recognition. “Music can free children from anxiety and help them experience new feelings such as joy, pride, and anger, following the musical notes they play,” said Sara Almutairi, another teacher at Dareen Kindergarten School at Jubail Industrial City. “Playing music can also help increase children’s confidence and social skills.”