Ascent of Harmonies - Using group-based music education to transcend socioeconomic barriers
Location
This project advances an educational model used to teach the underprivileged, often homeless, Rainbow Children of the Loreto Day School, Sealdah, Kolkata. Rainbow Children are taught side-by-side with students from middle and upper class families. To extend this integrated approach beyond analytical problem solving, the medium of music is used to foster communication, leadership, and the realization of equality. Students are taught to play instruments, coordinate group performances, and communicate without the specificity of spoken language.
Reason:
In the academic setting, breaking the cycle of poverty often fails due to poor retention or reversion back into poverty following graduation. Ascent of Harmonies Music Academy is a non-profit society, registered in the State of Karnataka (NGO ID: KA/2011/0045786), that approaches this problem in a unique way. Addressing challenges associated with transcending socioeconomic barriers and successfully breaking the cycle of poverty begins by dispelling preconceptions of inequality. The Society donates musical instruments and teaches at the Loreto Day School, Sealdah, Kolkata. Students are taught to play instruments and use music as a neutral communicative medium to realize their equality. Group-based musical performances are the final product.
Organization:
Ascent Of Harmonies Music Academy
First name:
Vinay
Last name:
Rao
City:
Bengaluru
Country:
India
