Changing lives through music - a 35-year legacy
Simon, MYC Accompanist and Teacher, says "I really owe just about everything to Berwick Children's Choir, or Melbourne Youth Chorale as we know it now. That's where I learnt everything about how to be a Musician..."
Melbourne Youth Chorale was established 35 years ago as Berwick Children's Choir by the late Jean Heriot OAM. Jean was a pioneer of Kodaly Musicianship in Australia. She believed that everything was possible, drawing out the best in her students and encouraging them to overcome personal challenges and inspiring them to excellence.
The legacy lives on. Daniel is a 16 year old who struggles with social anxiety and, although musical, could not sing in tune. He was drawn into MYC by his peers who have helped him develop social confidence in a safe environment.
MYC's teachers identified an unusual condition - Daniel hears two pitches at once. With patient nurture the teachers have helped Daniel train his ear to pick out the correct sound and sing it accurately. In twelve months he has grown from a young man afraid to sing a note to begging for private singing lessons. This aural training has also made everyday communication much easier.
Thank you for giving Daniel the gift of music.