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Teaching music with a system that works

Schoolchildren in Britain are set to enjoy high quality teaching from classical music legends thanks ...................an exciting project linked to Venezuela’s world-famous El Sistema orchestra. Four new community orchestras have been created .....................the country in a scheme .......................aims to improve children’s confidence through music. Government departments are providing funds ......................the multi-million pound project in Gateshead, Leeds, Nottingham, and Telford ..................2015.

El Sistema is the inspiration behind Britain’s In Harmony scheme. In Harmony uses classical music to change the lives of children, and benefit their communities, and families.

Already, musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Manchester Camerata have agreed to take part. They will provide instrumental tuition, ensemble playing practice, and promote wider musical activities in communities. Organizers hope the initiative will give children role models to look up to, and help uncover the next generation of composers, artists, and performers.

For several years, there have been successful In Harmony projects in London and Liverpool. While the project is all about classical music, some of those who have taken part have shown an interest in other types of music, too. Many of those children whose musical talents really stood out have since begun to learn the piano, drums, or guitar, while others have gone into music production. Some have gone on to record and release their own music, and others now perform regular gigs. Organizers of the scheme want to repeat that success by bringing the project to towns and cities where there are areas of deprivation.

The project offers disadvantaged children the chance to master a classical instrument with rigorous tuition. Along the way, the children learn valuable teamwork skills, and enjoy a sense of community spirit. In the past, it has transformed attitudes towards classical music, and learning in general. Even children who say that they can’t stand learning instruments at the beginning, sometimes end up wanting to become professional musicians by the end. They often grow to realize that they love making music after playing with others in an orchestra.

In Harmony will run in selected primary schools whose students will meet several times a week from an early age to play instruments together. The aim is engage all the children in participating schools and communities so they can benefit from sharing the experience. Once the project settles down in the communities where it is launching, it is hoped the children will soon be rehearsing for big performances on the local, regional, or national stage.