When a Music Education Volunteer Organization Transitions to a Social Organization
27 August 2021
10:30 - 11:00 hrs (GMT+7)
In the present pandemic situation, music organizations must keep socially distanced and stop their normal process following the public health rule of the Thai government. Some of these changes involve using online platforms to transfer knowledge to students.
Many music organizations and music schools provide music education for students. In crowded communities, such as Khlongtoey, the music organizations are run by volunteers and supported by donations and sponsors. Organizations such as Music Sharing, Music for Life Foundation and Khlongtoey Music Program give music education to children who have no opportunity to get involved with music, helping them engage with each other through ensemble playing and participating in music and art activities.
Due to the increase in coronavirus cases since 2019, however, music organizations have transformed themselves into social organizations. Confronted with the problem of physiological needs, they began to work with the community to improve access to food, consumables, health care, small trading systems, and occupation development in the communities, especially Music Sharing in the name of “Khlongtoey Dee Jung.”
In conclusion, for the crowded community, music education is considered unnecessary in this situation. However, the working system of music organizations can help communities with emergent needs, for example: participatory systems, co-work with the community, government officials, donors, and volunteers. Now, the “music organization” has transitioned to serve urgent community needs. They will have enormous data and networks to develop their music and arts education further when the pandemic passes.