School continues to update and diversify curriculum

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Music Center in Lisbon recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of enabling anyone with an interest or skill to sing or play an instrument. The school does not require prerequisites to apply.

Luís Carlos Peleira, director, wrote about the school’s founding. He noted, “Thirty years ago, a young music teacher, José Morais, the current pedagogical director of the school, began to invite teachers even younger than him into an old refectory. There the dream of a different kind of music school — a school that did not require prerequisites, where everyone had a place and the right to learn to play and sing, regardless of their skills — was born. The school would meet the expectations of those who are traditionally gifted, those who are gifted in their own way and those who at first might not seem so. The goal was a school that looked at the artistic potential that every student brings with them.”

Today the school continues to invest in the training offered, updating and diversifying the curriculum. The school teaches beginners and those with higher levels of skill. It offers general training and training in the areas of composition, song writing, music history, instrument lessons, ensemble, music production and musical theater. The school is proud of its history and its student body.

Peleira added, “Recognizing a special talent among students is always a unique moment. It has been and always is magical and a privilege. I am sure that our capacity for reinvention has helped us along the way. We continue to showcase our commitment to training students, who will one day become great musicians and excellent people.”

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, with 487,000 under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Salesians provide education and social development programs to ensure youth have access to education so they can learn the skills for later employment, helping them lead self-sufficient lives.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Portugal – The Salesian music centre in Lisbon turns thirty

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal