Method
Musaik offers children and young people a free, high-quality musical education in the form of instrumental lessons. These take place three times a week in groups. The programme is close to home and does not require any prerequisites. It is a programme that is close to home and does not require any prior knowledge.
Together - right from the start
At the beginning of the school year, taster workshops for interested children take place. The new groups, which will remain in existence for a year, come together. According to age, they are divided into orange, green, red and blue groups.
From the beginning, music is only played together in groups. These groups are divided into wind, string and percussion sections.
All children take part in the concerts right from the start, regardless of whether they have only been with Musaik for two months or two years. They are supported in the performances by teachers and volunteer instrumentalists.
Making music together in a symphonic orchestra is the musical goal of the lessons.
The success and sustainability of the programme is based on the intensity of the lessons (three times a week), group lessons and ensemble work.
Special attention is paid to the successful selection of the literature to be performed: in addition to classical music, age-appropriate songs from the participants' respective home countries are used, as well as film music and popular melodies. The music literature and the specially created arrangements are adapted to the needs and current technical, musical and emotional level of the students. The colour strings method and relative solmisation form the basis of the lessons.
Regular concerts
Regular concerts are held both in the local community and in Dresden. This keeps the project visible and motivation high.
After several years in the programme, participants are motivated to engage in peer-to-peer teaching, with advanced students teaching the beginners.
The scope of social work within the project has been continuously clarified and expanded since the hiring of a social worker in 2022
Initially, the focus was on lesson support and conflict resolution among participants. Today, regular lessons aimed at fostering social skills are a key component. Through the 'Social Competence Training,' a playful approach is used to strengthen verbal and non-verbal communication skills, constructive conflict resolution, and intercultural exchange. Additionally, a comprehensive child protection concept was developed, the team was trained accordingly, and it was implemented into the daily music education work. This led to the association being officially recognized as an independent youth welfare organization in accordance with § 75 para. 1 SGB VIII. Social work at Musaik is organized and carried by Tom Geigenmüller.
