vival; 90% of its annual resources (about $10m) is generated by the local communities in which it operates. Szaran’s hope is that some of the young people participating in the program will be able to create positive futures for themselves as makers and repairers of musical instruments.
Positive Psychology in Practice
From a positive psychology perspective there are several different explanations for the effectiveness of singing and making music in improving physical and psychological well-being, for example:
- Self-Determination theory: making music alone and in groups fulfils the three fundamental human needs for autonomy, competence, and relating to others.
- Flow theory – making music is the ultimate flow experience. Playing an instrument is challenging, and as we develop our skill levels, we move on to more demanding pieces. The same goes for singing in unison – not only must you hit the right notes, you have the challenge of keeping time too. Thus the experience of flow is maintained whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert.
- Hope and Optimism – the Sonidos de la Tierra music school enables street children and young people to start believing that their lives can actually turn out for the better. They can start setting meaningful goals, for example, and develop ways to achieve them.
- Strengths – finding something you can excel at and that you enjoy doing, and being given the opportunity to do it regularly, is one of the most enduringly positive experiences we know of.
I’m sure there are many others. To quote Luis Szaran himself, “Sonidos de la Tierra is not only about good musicians; it’s about good citizens… It’s a school for human values. In our case, music is the excuse to create this network for social change in Paraguay”.
The New Seekers (1971). I’d like to teach the world to sing (In perfect harmony). Written by Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway, Bill Backer and Billy Davis. Produced by David Mackay.
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The New Seekers: released 1971. Written by Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway, Bill Backer and Billy Davis. Produced by David Mackay.