THE MUSIC VAN
What is the project about?
The Music-Van project involves community-based music activities for displaced people. The idea follows a diversity-sensitive approach and focuses on music as a tool for empowerment. This means that music is used as a medium to promote self-confidence and give refugees an opportunity to find personal support. The aim is also to involve people from the surrounding community to increase cultural understanding and tolerance.
What are the goals?
This concept has already been implemented in various accommodations for people with refugee experience in the Netherlands, on the Greek island of Lesbos, and in Germany. It is always wonderful to see how both children and adults open up through music and reconnect with positive emotions. Since music has a very close connection with our emotions, there is great potential here for directly influencing emotional stress, as well as giving expression to feelings that are difficult to put into words.
Meet the Team
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Joel-Joao
Singer- Songwriter / Educator
Joel-Joao is a Cologne-based singer-songwriter who has performed across Germany. Passionate about music, he encourages audience and leads workshops in music, songwriting, and spoken word. A skilled guitarist, who is singing in English, French, and Lingala, and offers valuable insights on vocal techniques and performance. His music blends indie-pop rock, soul, and RnB.
Zainab Lax
Music Therapist / Harpist
Zainab Lax is a music therapist specializing in refugee work at ArtEZ Conservatory in the Netherlands, where she developed her Music-Bridge approach. While pursuing her master's at the Center for World Music in Hildesheim, she emphasized empowerment and diversity. With a transcultural background from Germany, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, she helps others explore their roots and identity through music.
Project Goals and Target Group Participants
Target Group: People with and without refugee experience, aged 16 to 30 years
Methods of Music Facilitation
Songwriting, community music, improvisation, performance, each one-teach one
Structure of a Music Session:
- 1 hour of preparation, outreach, and planning
- 30 minutes of setup
- 3 hours of activity (adjustable)
- 30 minutes reflection
Examples
- Warm-ups, get-to-know-you games
- Improvisation with instruments
- Learning about instruments and basic skills
- Writing original songs
- Singing well-known songs together