Patrick Scafidi

Language matters and requires awareness.

Sometimes teenagers learn best from other teenagers.

Music to Save Humanity is offering a free masterclass series that features renowned artists from all over the world working virtually with young musicians.

“The Next Normal: Arts Innovation and Resilience in a Post-COVID World” is a free day-long set of panels and exchanges offered by the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, on Wednesday, February 10, from 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

When Longy School of Music took over publishing this newsletter, they honored the nine years that Tricia Tunstall edited The Ensemble by publishing a book of her collected monthly editorials, titled Grace Notes.

All programs looking to build more equity, anti-racism, and social justice into their curriculum or program practices will want to visit the digital collection of resources at Teaching Tolerance.

The fifth annual El Sistema Academy will happen online on January 30 and 31 and is free to all. El Sistema educators and colleagues across the globe will convene to discuss this year’s theme, “Motivation”—motivating students, teams, audiences, and more. Registration closes on January 27. Use this Google Form to register for this year’s session, and learn more about last year’s Academy in this 2019 World Ensemble post.

Here is a chance to better understand the global context within which our programs grow. The 2020 Compendium of Music as a Global Resource: Solutions for Cultural, Social, Health, Educational, Environmental, and Economic Issues profiles 109 projects from 54 countries, linking them to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to providing key insights into programs around the world, the Compendium affirms the size, ambition, and effectiveness of our wide movement. Read the Compendium on their website to expand your perspective and discover the ways in which music learning fits into the UN’s vision of sustainability.

The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation want to support Latinx artists and arts organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Their Actos de Confianza relief grants provide emergency funds to these organizations, one geographical region at a time. The first calls are for programs in mid-America, moving then to the East and West Coasts. The funding cycle will take place between January and May 2021. If your organization qualifies, be sure to review the application information on their website. In addition to listing all relevant deadlines, it includes information on which states qualify for which regions.

The Global Leaders Program is hosting a free virtual conference called “Sound Cities: Community Music Ecosystems” as part of its (Re)Setting the Stage series. Kicking off on January 18, the conference brings together interesting perspectives from city planners, music entrepreneurs, and cultural agency workers, who will discuss the roles they play in communities all over the world. Specifically, the conference explores how the arts have had a significant impact on urban development. There are sessions on January 20, January 27, and February 4, focusing on different countries and the impacts of their artistic communities. Check out their Zoom registration page to learn more, including how to sign up.