MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Transforming Young Lives Through Music
Discover how music can be a transformative tool that inspires confidence, resilience, and opportunity for millions of vulnerable children around the world. Through strategic partnerships like Sinfonía por el Perú and innovative teacher training through the Academy for Impact through Music, we support and create programs that help young people build better futures.
PERU AS AN EXAMPLE
A Nation's Youth in Crisis
Globally, over 570 million children live in extreme poverty, limiting their access to basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, and robbing them of developmental opportunities.
Peru, a country of vibrant culture, faces significant socio-economic challenges that deeply impact its youth. Political instability, inequality, and poverty have been intensified by climate change and migration.
In 2020, child poverty in Peru rose to 40.5%, with children in rural and migrant communities being particularly affected.
Access to quality education and healthcare is limited, and many children face issues like violence and child labor.
These multifaceted crises underscore the urgent need for supportive interventions
MUSIC AS A TOOL FOR HELP
The Global Music for Social Change Movement
Music has always been a voice for the voiceless. From the Civil Rights Movement anthems to labor solidarity songs, music has challenged injustice and inspired change. But today's Music for Social Change movement represents an evolution—from music as commentary to music as a developmental tool.
El Sistema: The Revolutionary Model
In 1975, Venezuelan economist and musician José Antonio Abreu founded El Sistema, changing how we think about music education. Funded through the ministry of social services—not arts and culture—El Sistema was designed as a social welfare program from day one.
Today, El Sistema-inspired programs exist on every continent which prove that music education isn't just about creating musicians - it's about creating empowered, resilient citizens.
Core Principles
Free, intensive ensemble-based classical music education
Focus on social inclusion over professional musicianship
Collective practice in orchestras and choirs ("núcleos")
Creating supportive, aspirational environments
DEMONSTRATING THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT THROUGH EVIDENCE
Sinfonía por el Perú
“Music has the ability to generate spiritual wealth where there is material poverty, to transform, empower and give hope.”
JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ
Founder & President of Sinfonía por el Perú
Maestros of Change on Music for Social Change
Internationally acclaimed tenor Juan Diego Flórez, founder of Sinfonía por el Perú, and conductor Roberto González-Monjas discuss their work using music education to support vulnerable communities.
A Symphony of Transformation
Founded in 2011 by internationally acclaimed Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, Sinfonía por el Perú has been supported by the Hilti Foundation since 2013. The organization stands as proof of music's transformative power.
Rigorous impact evaluations conducted by GRADE in 2014 and 2018 revealed extraordinary results compared to control groups:
Risk Behavior Reduction
18% overall reduction in severe risk behaviors
demonstrating music's power to redirect youth toward constructive activities33% reduction in severe risk behaviors among girls
showing particularly strong protective effects for young women75% less prevalent teenage pregnancy
indicating enhanced decision-making and life planning skills57% decrease in unprotected sex among females
reflecting improved self-confidence and risk awareness
Academic Aspirations
29% increase in young people planning graduate/specialized degrees
showing how music builds long-term vision and academic confidence26% increase in those believing they will complete advanced studies
reflecting enhanced self-efficacy and determination to achieve goals18% of participants practice music daily
with 17% increase for females and 19% for males, demonstrating discipline that transfers to academic pursuits
Transforming Homes
23% reduction in maternal tolerance for child labor
as families begin valuing education and childhood development34% overall reduction in physical punishment by parents
showing how children's positive changes influence family dynamics and parenting approaches49% reduction in physical punishment for disobedience
indicating improved communication and conflict resolution within households15% reduction in time female participants spend on household work
freeing up opportunities for study, practice, and personal development
The results of these studies show how investing in children through music creates ripple effects of positive change, benefitting individuals, families and communities.
These outcomes align with global efforts like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing music as a vital instrument to unlock opportunities for building a more just society.
“If I hadn’t realized that there really was potential in me, I possibly wouldn’t have achieved everything I’m achieving now.”
HEIDY YLIZARBE ALTAMIRANO
Sinfonía por el Perú
Three Young Voices from Sinfonía por el Perú
Meet three participants from Sinfonía por el Perú's Youth Choir who traveled to Vienna for the Summa Cum Laude competition. This documentary explores their daily realities, personal struggles, and the transformative impact of music education on their lives. Through intimate portraits, discover how the program has shaped their aspirations and provided pathways beyond their challenging circumstances.
Stories of Empowerment
Athzel Pino's Journey
From one of Lima's poorest neighborhoods, Athzel dreamed of becoming a professional musician despite scarce resources. Through Sinfonía por el Perú, his potential was unlocked, proving that talent knows no socioeconomic boundaries.
The Story of July Meza
July is a member of the National Youth Choir in Sinfonía por el Perú. For her, being part of the program has opened a completely new world. Not only did she discover a talent she didn’t know she had, but she has also found her favorite way to express herself and her feelings through music.
Climbing up a Musical Scale
Jahan starts his day at 5:30 a.m., traveling 90 minutes from a poor suburb to Lima. His schedule includes English lessons, flute practice, orchestra rehearsals—and teaching younger students to fund his own education.
“I am grateful that through our work in Music for Social Change, we can support young people on their path to self-determined adulthood.
It is as impressive as touching for me to see the children grow into young adults and find their personal path in life – in or outside of music.”
CHRISTINE RHOMBERG
Director Music for Social Change
Hilti Foundation
MULTIPLYING THE IMPACT: EMPOWERING EDUCATORS
Academy for Impact Through Music
The Academy for Impact through Music (AIM) is the Hilti Foundation's initiative to support teachers worldwide in becoming mentors who are able to foster life skills, resilience, and self-confidence in young musicians.
Great teachers are the heart of impactful Music for Social Change programs. Launched in 2020, the Academy for Impact through Music (AIM) is an innovation lab dedicated to improving the art of teaching and catalyzing transformational leadership in the sector.
AIM's flagship Firebird Fellowship is an intensive 12-month program for teachers globally. It combines online learning, in-person residencies, and coaching to develop educators who can impart not just musical excellence, but also crucial life skills like perseverance, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-esteem.
By focusing on "transformational learning" and action research, AIM empowers teachers to become true changemakers in their communities. AIM also offers 'Fire Up!', a more condensed training program to meet broader needs.
Through AIM, we are investing in the people who directly shape young lives, ensuring the Music for Social Change movement continues to grow in quality and impact.
AIM RESIDENCY 2024
Where Teachers Learn to Change Lives Through Music
In summer 2024, AIM's annual Firebird Fellowship Residency brought that mission to life in Lisbon, Portugal. This two-week learning experience brought together teaching fellows from more than ten countries, young musicians, alumni mentors, program leaders, and members of Lisbon's Quinta do Mocho community. Through a unique combination of teaching and performing, guided by the principle of "learning through teaching," participants deepened their practice while building a global network of support.
SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MUSIC
Join the Movement
While the Hilti Foundation leads through strategic philanthropy, the power of this movement multiplies when communities come together. Every child reached, every teacher trained, every family transformed creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the music room.
