Projects

The children in music and music in the children

This project has been developed for children aged 4 to 12 and includes social and the intercultural aspects.
To expand intercultural awareness, Sheik offers courses in Afro-Brazilian percussion, guitar and recorder instruction and sound theater in groups of 5 to 7 children. Using simple practical language, he stimulates the children’s perception, concentration, coordination, and self-confidence - not only in music but in other areas as well.
The social aspect involves helping children to work in a group. This project aims to arouse the children’s interest in music and to encourage their creativity. It also seeks to forge closer socio-cultural links between Austrian and Brazilian children.

Photos and Comments

Aids and methods: Sheik Silva uses the following aids:

  • Professional musical instruments: children need quality instruments for learning.
  • Research material: once a year, Sheik Silva gives lectures and courses in Brazil. Joint work and discussions with child psychologists and educators and new didactic material are incorporated into and enrich his courses in Europe.
  • Preparation: Sheik reworks the collected material (new instruments, didactic and informative material) and adapts it to the intellectual and emotional needs of each group of children.
  • The opinion of the children: During the course, the children are encouraged to always give their ideas and opinions. They discuss the kind of musical work they would like to do and also how to present their work to others. This approach strengthens their capacity for teamwork and their self-confidence.

The aim of this project

In the project "The children in music and music in the children" children learn to perform to audiences using a new teaching approach. The project promotes cultural exchange between Brazilian and Austrian children in this course as well as a broader exchange of information between Latin-American and European educators.