Empowering Youth

Music in the Mountains is dedicated to using culturally informed, sustainable music education programs, to empower youth affected by trauma.

Over the past few years, the population of at-risk youth living in the Greater Mekong Subregion has risen rapidly. Existing care centers are challenged to keep up with the complex needs of these youth, especially their emotional well-being. Research proves that music can powerfully impact youth affected by trauma. Participating in an ensemble-based music program, like our handbell choirs, significantly impact students affected by trauma as it fosters a sense of belonging, improves social skills, builds self-confidence, and fosters empathy. The arts provide a non-verbal pathway that transcends the many traps of language and facilitates the expression of difficult emotions. It helps break the silence of isolation and enables individuals to experience healing through the path of expressiveness (Gonsalves, 2010).

Music in the Mountains is committed to helping local care centers by designing, implementing, and sustaining culturally informed music programs, because we are convinced that music transforms lives. We currently support orphanages, foster homes, and rehabilitation centers located in China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Gonsalves, M. (2010). Music therapy and peaceful hearts for girls at war. In E. Ndura-Ouedraogo, M. Meyer, & J. Atiri (Eds.), Seeds Taking Root: Pan-African Peace Action for the Twenty-First Century (pp. 87–119).