Objectives
The goal of „Música en los barrios” is to spark underprivileged children’s interest in music and to give them an opportunity to play. Through recorder classes, MelB provides an access to music which would be unatainable to these children because of their socioeconomic situation. Without this program, the only way to receive musical instruction is to attend private schools or expensive conservatories. We bring music directly to the barrios.
The secondary goal of MelB is to integrate musical education into the elemantary and preschool curiculum. To increase the adoption of musical education, MelB promotes a more open educational style, integrating pedagogical content with the ex-cathedra teaching style common in Nicaragua. For this reason there are also Talleres(classes) for teachers.
The program offers a reasonable mix of leisure activity and education for the kids in their free time. Children of the barrios often live in less than stable conditions with unregular school attendance and diffficult family relations.
Finally, the growth and development of the children’s interpersonal skills shall be enhanced. It is well documented that music has positive impacts on auditory perception, the eagerness to learn, social behaviour in groups, and generally on emotional, cognitive and physical development.
Gaining more confidence, learning thoughtfulness, and strengthening verbal skills are the most important attributes in the children’s development in MelB’s recorder classes.
“Places, where programs like that are arising, the rate of crime and violence, the abuse of alcohol and drugs and the number of youth pregnancies is considerably declining”
– Dorothy Barnhouse, founder
Perspective
- constant expansion of the recorder classes
- to differentiate the offer of instruments
- the enhancement of the allocation of scholarships
- Integration of music as a permanent part (subject) in the class schedule