Music with Foster-Involved Children

Tampa Bay Times Article

Reporter Sonia Rao writes about the violin/cello programs with foster-involved children and teens in juvenile detention: https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2024/08/24/tampa-cello-instructor-teaches-at-risk-kids-more-than-just-music/

String Program with Foster-Involved Children

It's exciting to partner with New Life Village, a nonprofit organization in Tampa, FL, which "[provides] a residential community where families seeking permanency for children impacted by foster care or trauma can seek healing in a safe and stable intergenerational Village" (https://newlifevillage.org/).

Bethany directs New Life Village's string program in which foster-involved children learn to play the violin or cello and play together in an ensemble. NLV's Music Program offers foster-involved, minority children access to music education. Participants, who have faced neglect, trauma, and housing or food insecurity, receive violins or cellos and weekly lessons, and showcase their achievements through public concerts. Beyond the empowerment and self expression of learning and performing music, numerous studies have shown that music involvement can help in trauma recovery, bolster resilience, encourage a positive association with education, foster a sense of personal potential, engenders pride in achievement, encourage a sense of belonging, and provide a positive outlet for emotions, thereby being an access point to holistic wellbeing for these young people. Alongside engaging in music making, this program aids in breaking barriers and empowering youth.