“Since being on the program I like coming to school more… the best thing is that the mentors make learning more fun… I’m more confident and have more friends now and I’m more patient with myself… I was a bit nervous, but now I’m proud of being part of the program” comments from young participants of the Mentoring through Music program.
Mentoring through music is exactly what is says. It’s bringing the opportunity to enjoy and experience music to young people and children who most likely would never have had the chance to learn an instrument - and reinforces this with the benefits of a mentor relationship, to help and support them through difficult or challenging times in their lives.
The main outcome of the program is to spark an interest in school with young people and children who are at risk of disengagement and falling behind, through participation in the music sessions, held on a weekly basis and during school time. Stride recruits professional musicians and provides mentor training and program management to deliver Mentoring through Music.
Often young people taking part in Mentoring through Music are finding school tough for a variety of reasons and our music mentors build a trusting relationship and work through the issues and problems that cause barriers to the young people enjoying and staying in school.The young people taking part are encouraged to stay with the program and improve school attendance. The musical instrument of their choice is gifted to them three quarters way through the program as a reward for their commitment. Having their own instrument also gives them the chance to continue on with their interest in music beyond the Mentoring through Music program. Mentoring through Music programs are currently running in Mildura, Robinvale, Northern Melbourne and Springvale - Victoria.