Sounds of Change Academy -
the Netherlands

TRAINING OF MUSICAL CHANGEMAKERS

We offer an intensive five-day training programme, with a sixth return day, for professionals and advanced students who want to learn to work with music and the Sounds of Change method and mindset. The training is open to people who already have experience in leading music sessions with groups, community music projects and/or work experience as a music therapist.

MUSIC CHANGES THE WORLD BECAUSE IT CHANGES PEOPLE

During our work in various conflict zones around the world, we have discovered that creative music processes can have a transformative effect. During the moments of improvising and composing together, music not only provides fun, but also provides connection. People slowly but surely dare to express themselves in the created safe space, as well as listening more deeply to each other. They discover their own ideas and introduce them into the group. The personal and group reflections on the process lead to a stronger connection with oneself and the group. Music thus acts as a means of bringing about social change and teaching children, young people and adults the 'life skills' that are so important for the future. For our future.

“A big week of wonderful meetings with amazing souls; the omnipotent power of music, the connection, tolerance and acceptation in the group thanks to a very sensitive Sounds of change’s team. I will now use all of the method with my children in Aleppo and I aim to do so in all Syria.”

Soumaya Hallak

CONTENT

This training is about:

  • Deepening your own creativity through improvisation and composition.

  • Insight and techniques to facilitate creative music processes, through which the input of others and the strength of the group is used.

  • Creating a safe environment in which people dare to express themselves.

  • Listening, collaborating, experimenting and reflecting.

  • Recognising your own role, need and influence in the creative process.

  • Non-verbal and non-violent communication.

  • Working with minimal resources and making music together at various musical levels.

Filmmaker Joris Postema and his team followed the training process of our Sounds of Change Academy in the Netherlands in 2021/22. They followed our Academy trainees learning the Sounds of Change method and filmed them giving six weekly music workshops at four Dutch AZCs (asylum seekers’ centres) before finally making a catchy video about the experience.