Programa Nuevos Integrantes y Programa de Iniciación Musical – (New Members Program and Introduction to Music Program) – Stimulating Early Childhood Development with Music
Babies’ reaction to singing and rhythm proves that musical language is a universal human feature. For decades, “El Sistema” (The System), a Venezuelan musical program of world fame, has used music as a means to reach out to girls and boys of all ages in the country’s most vulnerable and remote areas. In this occasion, and for the youngest children, the “New Members Program” and “Introduction to Music Program” are presented. These programs use an innovative approach to promote children’s development through free, stimulating, creative, and fun musical activities. Mothers and fathers can participate in the activities along with their children, strengthening emotional ties through play, using instruments, singing songs, or just exercises of movement and relaxation. The strategy has been recognized by other countries and adapted to their particular needs. This project proves that music can play a key role in early childhood development.
Problematic
Venezuela’s social and economic crisis, which intensified in recent years, exposes girls and boy to situations of stress and vulnerability. Having to go through these experiences in their early years can cause learning problems in the future and affect children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. The crisis situation also affects caregivers and families, reducing their response capacity and potentially debilitating caregiver-child ties. Given the economic hardships of most families in Venezuela, it is fundamental to offer them free, creative early stimulation options.
Solution
In the New Members Program, 0-3-year-old boys and girls socialize in concerts and recitals and strengthen emotional ties with their mothers and fathers. The workshops include didactic dynamics and seek to promote the development of musical and artistic talents at an early age. In the sessions, children play with musical instruments and discover their sounds, shapes, and textures. Movement, relaxation, and bodily expression to the rhythm of music are part of this experience. Other workshops help pregnant women strengthen ties with their babies through songs and breathing and relaxation exercises. The Introduction to Music Program provides training to boys and girls starting at 3 years of age, using singing as its main tool to help them incorporate elements such as rhythm and melody. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19-induced quarantine, both programs have been adapted to a virtual format and continue to provide support to the “concert musicians in diapers.”
Evaluation and Impact
No information is available.