Project Sur-aur-Sangeet (Expression, rhythm, and note literacy through music)

Music has always played an important role in the VOICE education. From the very beginning, the children have used songs as an integral part of their lessons. Songs are taught in both Hindi and English, and are used for a variety of different purposes, such as prayers, or to reinforce a particular lesson. VOICE feels that music is a very important and powerful medium of expression. It is not only an important cultural component, but it also provides relief to body and mind, and has a soothing, therapeutic effect. The children have demonstrated a particular affinity for music from the start. They enjoy singing and learning songs, and continuously express their desire to learn more music, especially in the form of instruments.

Beginning January 2001, we were finally able to introduce the children to a more formal music education. With the aid of one of our international interns, VOICE began teaching the soprano recorder to a small group of ten Swadhar children. This tentative first step was met with unbelievable success. Within weeks the children could confidently and accurately read and play music, learning new notes with remarkable ambition and speed. Encouraged by this reception, we soon began to teach another group the alto recorder.

Now, VOICE is proud to enable several of its students to also learn traditional Indian instruments, like the tabala and harmonium, as well as other instruments such as the guitar and keyboard. Currently, we have groups of two or three students studying each of these instruments with great enthusiasm and determination at a Music Institute – The Sangeet Abhinav Academy.

Music is a multi-faceted medium of learning. In the process of learning to read notes, understand rhythm and develop an ear for melody, the children are simultaneously exposed to the principles of discipline, practice and goal setting. While a song may initially be encountered with frustration and incertitude, the children know that it is only a matter of practice before they will be able to master something that is initially perceived as "impossible". The children are quite ambitious, continuously looking ahead at future songs to conquer.

In keeping with the VOICE philosophy, we encourage the children to pass on their knowledge to others. After having completed forty lessons of recorder, the older children begin to instruct other younger children. This allows us to not only expose as many children as possible to music, but also reinforces the knowledge and understanding of the older children. Currently, there are five children at each of the centers who are thus learning the recorder. While we were initially unsure how music instruction would be received by the children, our doubts have been completely erased. The children are very committed to their studies, and impress us daily with their enthusiasm and skill. In return, the children have developed a new confidence, new self-expectations, and a new pride in their abilities.