Venezuelan Expert Explains How a Musical Education Transmits Values

Venezuelan Expert Explains How a Musical Education Transmits Values
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 10/02/2013

The Executive Assistant Director of the Simón Bolívar Musical Foundation, Professor Valdemar Rodríguez, spoke with staff and band directors from schools around the country, in a meeting organized by the Artistic Education Division of the Ministry of Education (MINERD in Spanish), and the Sinfonía Foundation of the Dominican Republic.

“Using music, we teach children values through collective work in the orchestra, something they do not see on television or in the street,” he explained.

The meeting was held at the MINERD central headquarters, where participants learned about the projects of the Simón Bolívar Musical Foundation, the participation of children and young people in Venezuela’s musical bands and projects in Latin America, as well as guidelines for developing a future agreement with the Dominican music education system.

Professor Rodríguez, a member of the governing body of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs, under the authority of the Venezuelan Presidency’s Ministry of Popular Power, indicated that this social project uses music as a tool for rescuing children and young people from the influence of crime, drugs, and the lack of options for their free time.

“Using music, we teach children values through collective work in the orchestra, something they do not see on television or in the street,” he explained.

He added that the project’s methodology has been endorsed by international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organization of American States (OAS), universities, and conservatories around the world.

He highlighted the accomplishments of Venezuelan music, citing the international prestige of the Simón Bolívar Big Band Jazz, and the success of Latin-Caribbean, Afro-American and rock bands.  He also mentioned the Trainers for Trainers program, which benefits teachers throughout Latin America. Its missions visit different countries for 10-15 days, working with students and teachers.

He indicated a desire to formalize a cooperation agreement that will contribute to the process of developing, evolving and strengthening the Dominican music education system, which is something the program has been doing for more than 30 yearsin countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Professor Rodríguez was introduced by Carmen Sánchez, General Director of Curricula, who was accompanied by Cruz MaríaDotel, Coordinator of Artistic Education, and Rita Ceballos, General Director of Basic Education.

Sánchez noted that a great deal of support for training teachers is needed, to be able to teach students the techniques and methods of learning an instrument.

“Such an agreement will help us a lot, and we should explore the possibility of other didactic support as well,” she proposed.  She stressed that Josefina Pimentel, Minister of Education, has worked hard to strengthen musical education in Dominican schools.  Thus, a future agreement would bring many benefits.

She cited the example of extended shift schools, where more time is available for teaching. This time is used to insure a more comprehensive education for students, which means promoting not only cognitive development, but also the students’ social, emotional and artistic development, and values.


Víctor Mitrov, Margarita Mitrov, Vicyuly Ibarra, professor Valdemar Rodríguez, Carmen Sánchez and Eduardo Villanueva.