Editorial

As we rapidly approach the end of another year, and think about Christmas and being with family members, we often remember the people and events that have had an impact on our development. One of the things that I remember most strongly is the routine established in our household which entailed an early start in the morning to practise music. I played the piano and my brother the violin. With our mother a professional musician, learning to play an instrument was an imperative and practice likewise. For us this meant rising by 6 each morning and doing an hour of practice before a quick breakfast and the usual rush to be ready for school. One of the enduring impacts for me has been the impossibility of sleeping in beyond about 7.30am, but there are others of much greater importance. I will refer to these as this editorial unfolds. The topic, as you might have guessed, is music and arts for children and young people.