Kosovo

School-Based Classes

On and off from 1999 to 2019, SMF offered weekly music classes in Gjakovë-area elementary and junior high schools. Classes were held weekly during the school year and twice weekly during the summer. Our students regularly performed in area festivals and concerts and become very fine singers and musicians. A group of these students were invited to the USA in July 2004 and August 2006, and performed concerts throughout the Midwest. Many program graduates are now Youth Teacher Volunteers.

Classes offered included the following:

• Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Pennywhistle
• Beginning and Advanced Harmonica
• Beginning and Advanced Drum
• Singing

Youth-Teacher Volunteer Program

SMF is based on the premise that a sustainable, locally-run program is in the best interests of war-affected communities. Training local volunteers also allows us to teach more children in more locations. Through Our Youth-Teacher Volunteer Program, senior volunteers lead bi-weekly training sessions in:

• Reading, writing, and counting music
• Singing
• Playing pennywhistle, harmonica, ukulele, guitar, drum, and piano
• Music pedagogy for children, including reading, counting, singing, and playing music
• Lesson planning and reporting
• Conducting
• Time management and employment skills
• Tolerance and peace training
• Leadership, integrity and honesty
• Reading, writing, and speaking English

Minority Outreach

SMF provided music classes to children living in ethnic minority Roma communities. These children have extremely limited access to programs outside of their communities. In 2006, SMF hosted the first  combined Albanian/Roma children’s concert. Classes included:

• Singing
• Reading music
• Beginning and Advanced Harmonica
• Beginning and Advanced pennywhistle