The Network of Knowledge of Þingeyjar, in collaboration with the Húsavík Music School and the Social Services of Norðurþing, has launched an interesting project which aims to make music education more accessible for people with specific support needs. The project is modelled on a Finnish example and aims for people with specific support needs to enjoy the same opportunities as others when it comes to music education.
Guðni Bragason, the musical director of the Húsavík Music School, had the idea for this project this spring and contacted the Social Services of Norðurþing and the Thingeyjar Knowledge Network to explore the possibility of a collaboration. The idea was so good that a response was not long in coming. Preparations for the project got underway immediately, and this autumn, 16 students began their studies at the Music School. This is the first time that music education for this target group has been available in the service area of the Knowledge Network, and there is great satisfaction that everything has got up and running.
For many years, the Þingeyinga Knowledge Network has had a service agreement with Fjölmennt, through which it has received funding to run all kinds of courses for people with specific support needs. A variety of leisure courses have been on offer here in recent years, along with drama and singing courses which have culminated in performances that have exceeded all expectations.
We are very pleased to be involved in this project and look forward to watching the students flourish at the Music School.