GoMusic’s Workshop for Lifelong Learning

Goducate’s GoMusic program in the Philippines aims not only to help young people play musical instruments, but also to equip aspiring music teachers with the skills and confidence to teach music, to teach teamwork, responsibility, and discipline, and to foster a culture of music education, creativity, and mentorship to help strengthen communities.

Thus during the recent May school break, Goducate held a 3-day (May 9-11) music workshop that not only focused on music practice but also included team-building and mentoring.

Among the volunteer teachers for the workshop were young musicians who joined the 1^st Teacher’s Training.

Toddler Violin Students Learning the Parts of a Violin

Throughout the workshop, participants were divided into groups, in which they were given the opportunity to experience collaboration of ideas, teamwork, and the collective celebration of small wins and disappointments with losses, through activities such as banner and yell making (the making of a group cheer to accompany the banner), drama skit contests, and rotation games.

Kids in a Fun-Learning Recorder Session

Such social interactions play a vital role, especially in the development of life-skills such as discipline, responsibility, and self-motivation in young people.

GoMusic also emphasizes the lifelong lessons participants can take from the Music Workshop. Thus  throughout the workshop there was usually a session during which guest speakers offered insight from God's word on topics related to our God-given abilities, such as what they are, how to use them, and for whom. After every session, volunteer facilitators helped lead small groups in which students could communicate more deeply, share their thoughts and learnings, and even connect better.

Ukulele Students Performed “You Are My Sunshine” as their Recital Piece

This 3-day fun-filled and impactful GoMusic workshop was attended by 94 students from the community and 20 volunteer teachers. What could have been just another set of idle vacation days became a meaningful and enriching experience—not only for the participants but also for the facilitators. This workshop marked just the beginning, as GoMusic continues its mission to train and equip aspiring music teachers, develop lifeskills among children and young people, and strengthen communities by nurturing a culture of music, creativity, and mentorship.

This report was written by Jaredde Olea, a Goducate scholar who one of the core members of the GoMusic program.