Project Abroad Volunteers can
“Jam” in Jamaica with a Music Education Project

Begin the Fall Season on the Right Note
by Teaching Children Music Skills

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Projects Abroad is calling all music lovers to travel to the home of reggae and make a difference through the new Music Project in Jamaica. The project provides musicians with a unique opportunity to help local Jamaican children and teenagers develop an awareness and appreciation of music, while also boosting their self-esteem.

The Music Project focuses on traditional Jamaican music and incorporates cultural influences from all over the world into the lessons. Volunteers will share their knowledge and expertise by teaching children ages 6- to 18-years of age to play the keyboard, guitar, violin, flute and drums, as well as melody improvisation and how to compose and arrange music. The local children will also learn how to read and notate music and listen to, analyze and describe a wide variety of music pieces.

“The Music Project in Jamaica is perfect for any volunteer with musical talents or a specialization in music education to share their knowledge with underprivileged children,” said Projects Abroad’s Vice President Thomas Pastorius, Jr. “There is no better way to combine a passion for the arts with a desire to positively impact the life of children who might otherwise miss the opportunity to develop their musical talents.”

The Projects Abroad staff in Jamaica also offer Patois, Culture and Reggae dance classes each month, which focus on Jamaican culture and teaching the local Jamaican Patois language. Local dance instructors are also involved with and teach the latest, ever-evolving Jamaican dance moves. <

Volunteers for this project should be enthusiastic about music and able to inspire their students to develop both theoretical and practical musical knowledge and skills. Projects Abroad and a partner organization provide all necessary materials and resources during the project, so bringing an instrument is optional.

Projects Abroad volunteers can participate in the Music Project in Jamaica for as little as two weeks, or up to several months, depending on their particular interests and schedules. It’s an ideal way to spend time away from school or work, while simultaneously learning about a new country and teaching young people skills that will stay with them forever. For more information on planning a volunteer trip with Projects Abroad, visit www.projects-abroad.org.

About Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 by Dr. Peter Slowe, a geography professor, as a program for students to travel and work while on break from full-time study.  The program had its genesis in post-USSR Romania, where students were given the chance to teach conversational English.  After a few years just sending volunteers to Eastern Europe for teaching, the company expanded to sending volunteers of all ages around the world on a wide range of projects.

A UK-headquartered company, Projects Abroad is a global leader in short-term international volunteer programs with projects in 26 countries and recruitment offices in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Holland, South Africa, Sweden and the United States.

For details on volunteering overseas, visit Projects Abroad’s website at www.projects-abroad.org

Madelyn Miller is a  travel and food writer who loves Jamaica. Unfortunately, she can’t carry a tune. Read her stories on www.travellady.com,  www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com,   www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com