Fieldwork
We do not wait for children to come to us
Every week Disan Kato and our teachers load keyboards, guitars, amplifiers and a generator into a vehicle and drive out to the communities around Mbarara. We set up, we teach, we pack everything again and we come back the following week.
Why we go to them
Most of the places we reach have no instruments, no music room and often no electricity. That is exactly why we go there.
Children in Uganda often board at their schools during term. A music school in town would only reach them in the holidays. So the instruments travel instead of the children. They come back with us every evening, which keeps them looked after and in playing shape.
A day in the field
One community, one day, every week
- MorningLoadKeyboards, stands, guitars, amplifiers, cables and the generator go into the vehicle.
- DriveTravelOut to the school, sometimes more than an hour from Mbarara.
- 1 hourSet upInstruments, power and sound are set up in whatever room the school has.
- About 4 hoursTeachKeyboard, guitar, drums and singing, in groups, from complete beginners upwards.
- AfternoonPack & returnEverything is packed again and brought back to Mbarara.
Where we work
We currently serve two school communities
A third starts this term. As of September 2026.
Nyakyeera United Secondary School
We teach 19 students in different disciplines, with the aim of forming a school band for their own internal and external performances.
Open Skies School
A primary school with a kindergarten section. We teach 10 girls and boys of Primary 3, 4 and 5, with the aim of building players and choir leaders.
Revival Junior School
The school asked us to develop its children's skills on musical instruments. Lessons begin this term.
On video
From the road to the concert
How we choose partners
Not where the children are, but who commits
We choose partners by which school is willing to contribute something itself. A school that gives these three things is serious about music. A school that does not would not have looked after the lessons either.
- A fixed slot in the timetable. Music happens every week at the same time, not when it fits.
- A named teacher who stays in the room and keeps the children practising between our visits.
- A cupboard for materials such as music sheets and small equipment.
What the children learn
Everyone starts as a beginner
Lessons are in groups. One teacher leads, the others walk the room and correct hands and posture. Lessons are free and always will be.
Over the years we have taught in primary and secondary schools, children's development centres, church communities and universities, and young people who could not continue with formal education.
Since 2018
Where we have worked
Every place on this list has a report in our news archive.