The Downtown Music Hub has initiated a music in schools programme as part of the Social Employment Fund.
As a starting point, DTMH held over 300 auditions and select 200 musicians who will be visiting 10 schools to teach music.
This programme is informal in its approach and is focused on encouraging learners to actively participate in music-making such as singing, playing instruments, and even dancing.
Included in the programme, learners are also being taught the following lifeskills:
Respect for Others: Teach learners to listen and be respectful of others when they’re playing music together. Encourage them to take turns and to be considerate of their classmates.
Open-Mindedness: Foster an open-minded approach to music by exposing learners to different styles and genres. Encourage them to try new things and to express their individuality through music.
Responsibility: Teach learners to be responsible for their own instruments and materials, and to clean up after themselves after each music class.
Good Listening Habits: Teach learners the importance of paying attention during music class and encourage good listening habits, such as being quiet when the teacher is speaking and not interrupting others.
Even though the musicians running the lessons are given the freedom to create their own lesson plans, the classes aim to cover the following basics:
- Introduction to Music Concepts: Start with basic music concepts such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, and make it interactive and fun by using games and activities.
- Movement and Dance: Encourage learners to move and dance to music, and help them develop their sense of rhythm. This will also help them develop coordination and physical awareness.
- Singing and Chanting: Teach learners simple songs and chants that they can sing along to, and encourage them to experiment with different vocal styles and dynamics.
- Instrument Play: Introduce learners to instruments and encourage them to experiment and make music with them.
- Listening and Appreciation: Play different styles of music for learners and encourage them to listen and appreciate different musical genres and cultures.
- Creating Music: Encourage learners to create their own music
- Performance Opportunities: Provide learners with opportunities to perform together
