Music Access & Development for School Children in Belize

What is the Music Access & Development for School Children in Belize project all about?

Volunteer abroad at state-run schools where music access and development for school children in Belize is for the affluent. Located within the Cayo District, the schools have a basic music programme within two local schools with very limited resources available to them. Music is a huge part of Belizean society and this project aims to improve access for more children to music, not only to playing instruments but also learning about composers. It also aims to increase children’s ability to read music, expose them to different types of music and a variety of instruments.

The school is state-run and the music programme is a collaboration between the volunteer and the School Principal. The music programme is available to children aged from kindergarten through to grade 8 and lessons take place during the school day. The aim is to develop the creative skills of children through access to music. Life is expensive in Belize and access to musical teaching is definitely a luxury.

Why choose this Music Access & Development for School Children project?

• Give access to music and music-related skills to children and young adults by teaching, but also helping them acquire more instruments as those are scarce in Belize.
• Connect with the students by providing them with a healthy medium by which they can express themselves and resolve some of the personal difficulties they face in their daily lives.
• Develop your fundraising skills and enjoy sharing your passion for music with others. Access to musical instruments is limited for the majority of children in Belize as they are very expensive, well beyond the means of most.

Role of the Music Volunteer

In this programme, you will very much be taking a lead role. You will follow a set curriculum that has been designed by a former music volunteer and continue to develop it, involving the local staff. You will be teaching students how to read music, play basic instruments (if they have them) and develop their appreciation of classical musicians.

The school would love to set up a number of performances throughout the year for the whole school community so you will be responsible for putting together a show. This is where your skills and training will really come in to play as you will need creative direction over the class. Also, fundraising is a key element of this project as the school is desperate for more instruments. At the moment, they have very little access to anything beyond a flute, making their talents fairly limited.

What skills do I need to be a Music Volunteer in Belize?

A background and passion for music are needed to participate in this project as well as bags of enthusiasm and a commitment to get the Belizeans to perform! Knowledge of helping to set up musical performances is also useful, but not necessary. A music-related teaching background would be good (although not necessary) as you will be looking after groups of students and developing their talent. You should be able to read music. Ideally, we would love volunteers for a 6-month period as we are committed to providing an in-depth and consistent music programme. You must be able to work without supervision, be able to make decisions and lead others. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.

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