FOCUS AREA
Music for Social Change
Learning through music for life
When people collaborate together musically, we see how each individual has a valuable role to play in any team. We also learn what it takes to contribute in the best possible way to a community. Young people are encouraged to transfer these experiences into their daily lives and at the same time these experiences support them in making informed decisions for their future.
By helping to fund and develop music programs internationally, we empower many children and youths to make conscious life choices and become independent, responsible and active members of society.
Since 1975, when the music program ‘El Sistema’ was founded in Venezuela, the idea of ‘Music for Social Change’ has transformed the lives of thousands of young people worldwide.
MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Our engagement is organized into three initiatives:
Sistema-inspired programs
We support and accompany selected projects that share the basic idea of social change through music and adapt and refine them according to local conditions and needs. With our network of programs and specialists that we’ve established over the years, we aim to develop them into sustainable and independent organizations. Each and every initiative empowers young people and primes with practical life perspectives that go far beyond the field of music.
Building bridges to the established music world
The field of music for social change and the established music business often remain isolated from each other. Both areas, however, have potential that can be profitable and inspiring for all sides. By networking established music institutions with socially motivated music programs, we help to overcome these barriers and develop projects that lead to a win-win situation for both groups while raising awareness of the social relevance of music among a broader public.
Academy for Impact through Music (AIM)
Working in the field of music for social change places special demands on teachers which go far beyond a conventional musical education. Over the years, we have come to understand that the ongoing training and development of teaching staff is one of the greatest challenges for programs worldwide. With the Academy for Impact through Music (AIM), we want to provide future generations of teachers with comprehensive educational tools and offer strategic support for social impact-oriented teaching that promotes awareness of the importance of cross-border cooperation.
A selection of our projects
Sinfonía por el Perú
Iberacademy Medellin, Colombia
AIM - Academy for Impact through Music
Mozarteum Foundation, Salzburg
MUSIC IS A CENTRAL INSTRUMENT OF OUR COMMITMENT
What does music mean to us
The primary goal of our comprehensive music programs is not to train young people to become professional musicians, but to impart knowledge, skills and values that will enable them to sustainably improve their lives and their social environment. We also work closely with internationally renowned artists, institutions and festivals to set quality standards and give the most talented young musicians the opportunity to pursue a professional career.
