It’s Never Too Late to Learn: New Horizons Spotlight

New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) provides adults with an opportunity to intellectually challenge themselves, socialize, and continue their education by learning music in a group setting—similar to that offered in schools. We recently spoke with Matthew Talbert, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Ohio University School of Music, who has led the New Horizons Band at Ohio University since 2010, to learn more about how the program started, and how it benefits both adult and student-teacher participants.

AM: What is New Horizons International Music Association, and how did it get started?

MT: New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) is an organization that was founded to provide entry points, or re-entry points, to music making for adults. Dr. Roy Ernst founded this group in 1991 at the Eastman School of Music. Originally created for people over the age of 50, this group provides adults the opportunity to enhance their quality of life by learning to play an instrument!

AM: How did you first get involved?

MT: When I began working on my Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina, I became involved with NHIMA. Jeremy Lane was my major professor and he had started a group a few years earlier. I was thrilled when he asked if I wanted to work with the group. Over the next two years I had the opportunity to teach private lessons, instruct the beginner and intermediate bands, and develop some friendships that have lasted to this day! Working with NHIMA was something I had never thought of, in fact, I had never heard of the organization. I’m forever grateful to Jeremy Lane for introducing me to this incredible organization and for allowing me to be a small part of the New Horizons Band in Columbia, SC.

AM: What problem does the organization solve?

MT: The biggest “problem” NHIMA solves is that it provides adults the chance to be involved in a performing ensemble. Many community bands are filled with individuals who have a certain level of proficiency on their instrument. NHIMA wants to start individuals that are true beginners, or those who have taken an extended time away from their instruments (i.e., to raise a family, to have a successful career, etc.). This allows them to be a part of ensemble and to learn to play an instrument in a relaxed, stress-free environment.

AM: What’s the current size of your group? How big is the organization?

MT: The Ohio University group had 13 members in its first semester (Spring, 2018). The organization has approximately 200 individual groups and about 10,000 participants worldwide!

AM: What are the benefits for the adults who join?

MT: I think the greatest benefit is the quality of life aspect. Other benefits that have been widely researched include: physical, mental, social, and psychological.

AM: What are the benefits for your students who help with instruction?

MT: The students are involved in a perfect example of inter-generational learning. The students that work with our Ohio University New Horizons Band have the chance to refine the teaching skills they are learning in the classroom before they student teach or land their first teaching job. Our students have the chance to teach the members private lessons and to teach in the full-band rehearsal setting.

AM: What have you learned by being involved, as a teacher?

MT: I’ve learned that anyone can have a meaningful musical experience. Band Directors often times get caught up in making sure the music is perfect. Since I began working with NHIMA groups back in 2010, I’ve realized that there is so much more to the music-making process. The members celebrate their accomplishments and work together through their frustrations—all in an environment that welcomes adult amateur musicians!

AM: What type of feedback have you received from participants and their personal experiences? How has it impacted them, and you?

MT: I constantly receive feedback from the members and from our students. Of all the comments I’ve received from members, this one sums it up the best, “I had no idea I could learn to play an instrument at my age! I can’t remember a time when I’ve had this much fun in my life!” The students that work with our members are having an incredible time. The members treat them so well and the students love the opportunity to work with adult amateur musicians. For me, the New Horizons Band rehearsal is my absolute favorite time of the week. I enjoy getting together with the members, teaching them and learning from them, and always leave with a smile on my face. They are incredible people and I’m fortunate to get to work with them!

AM: Where can people learn more about your group, and the organization as a whole?

MT: NHIMA has a website that has a ton of information. I would encourage people to go to the website and find an ensemble near them they can join. They won’t regret it!