Our experience organizing the Newcomers to Notes program
Written By Tiffany Santos and the Newcomers to Notes teaching team
The Newcomers to Notes program came about as a way for kids who grew up learning and loving music to share that experience with others who may not have had the same opportunities. Music lessons were an extracurricular activity we went to every week, and practicing piano was as much a part of our daily routine as eating a snack after school and doing homework.
“We wanted to put our musical training to good use while also finding a way to help our community. ”
However, it was not until we began university that we realized that it was not as easy to make time for music. We were busy with coursework, friends, and jobs, and found ourselves missing the time when we would sit down every day and practice our instruments. We wanted to put our musical training to good use while also finding a way to help our community.
In partnership with BC Newcomer Camp and the UBC Chapman and Innovation Grant, we were able to begin a program to teach the piano to refugee children. Since the lessons had to be online due to COVID-19, we were worried that it would be a lot more difficult to virtually teach the piano to beginners, but the kids are so interested and enthusiastic about music that it became a unique experience. Each week, they get a chance to learn new songs, interact with peers, and play the piano for each other.
“The best feeling for an instructor is when a student plays their first full song by themselves!”
Not only is it inspiring to see each child learn a little more with every lesson (the best feeling for an instructor is when a student plays their first full song by themselves!) but it is also wonderful for us to make time for the piano every week. Being a part of this program has reminded us that making and sharing music is something to be enjoyed no matter how old you are.
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