The Art of Music was founded in 2009; with a mission to promote the performance and appreciation of art music in Kenya and use it’s transformative power to change lives, particularly of those living in underprivileged areas of the country. We believe art music, with its traditions of structure, discipline and excellence, can offer a great awakening and opportunity to a broad spectrum of Kenyan youth. Our programs center on mentorship, first-class training and performance opportunities – we see music uniting communities and changing lives.
The Art of Music Foundation aims to use classical music to inspire hope and help underprivileged children in Eastern Africa achieve lasting change in their lives.
To use art music to inspire every child and young adult to realize their dreams and transform societies.
The Art of Music Foundation believes in:
- Inclusiveness: We are open to anyone with an interest for art music who wishes to grow his or her skills
- Excellence: We set and maintain the highest standard of art music
- Discipline: We only work with those willing to accept a high standard of personal discipline
- Integrity: We, from the outset, maintain clear and consistent criteria for joining and progressing with us
- Enjoyment: We, while respecting the structures and disciplines of art music, never forget to enjoy music and have fun
- Impact: We continuously strive to positively impact and transform lives through art music
Children and young adults, through art music, have become productive members of society and agents of change.
Our core focus is built around 2 Programmes;
Ghetto Classics (GC)
A community program based in the Korogocho slum, one of Kenya’s largest slums which is home to over 300,000 urban poor. We use music education to provide the youth with opportunities to better themselves and their communities.
Based in St. John’s Primary School and Church, we run a brass band, string ensemble and Orchestra.
National Youth Orchestra of Kenya (KNYO)
Inspired by the success of Venezuela’s El Sistema organisation in bringing communities together and developing national pride through music participation, the National Youth Orchestra of Kenya (or KNYO as it is often called) was set up in 2010 as a leadership, social-integration (across cultural, age, socio-economic, ethnic barriers) musical leadership programme.
It draws from all of Kenya, public and private schools, colleges and young professionals.