MusicLink

MusicLink is a unique cultural exchange program for music classes and groups from all around the world.

Each year, older elementary and early middle school students and their counterparts in at least 10 countries have the opportunity to share their culture, heritage and community through vocal, instrumental, and/or dance presentations. Each participating class selects, performs, and videotapes two or three musical numbers, interspersed with narration, which express something special or unique in their culture. Creative Connections professionally edits each class' taped presentation into a richly diverse MusicLink World Video, which is sent to each participating school. Our partners also receive a booklet that includes music, words, and cultural background material on many of the pieces.

Click here to see unique vocal, instrumental, and/or dance presentations performed by our 2005 MusicLink exchange partners from 13 different countries.

The MusicLink Presentation

The presentation video begins with a student guided school tour and brief student introductions. Each partner class then proceeds to perform their two or three selected pieces. Before each piece, student narrators explain its cultural significance. We ask that the narration be in English. All forms of music are welcome: songs, dances, and instrumental pieces. The total length of the video should be around ten minutes.

The pieces can be performed by whole classes, small ensemble groups, individuals, or any combination thereof. Some pieces can be formal while other are more spontaneous. We encourage variety! Teachers can choose the best combination, taking into account their students' talents, curricular needs, and time constraints.

Here are some suggestions for individual pieces of themes:

• Traditional songs and music from a variety of holidays
• Folk music and dances
• Playground songs (with our without gestures) passed down from generation to generation by children
• Performances using native, traditional, or homemade instruments
• Lullabies
• Work songs
• Patriotic songs
• Show music

Because of the wide variety and diverse nature of the possible activities which might be included, classes are encouraged to find a good balance between musical quality and cultural representation.

Here is an overview of the MusicLink program:

• By early December, participating teachers receive support materials, including our detailed handbook.
• Classes begin working on their video presentation in January.
• Videotapes should be mailed to Creative Connections by early March.
• Along with the video, we encourage partner classes to include the lyrics and, if possible, the music of any songs presented. These enable one's partners to learn the songs if the wish.
• Once received by our office, the videos are edited and become a part of our annual MusicLink World Video. A copy of this video, together with a booklet comprised of the music, lyrics and/or detailed cultural information of each piece, are mailed out to each exchange partner.
• When the MusicLink World Video arrives, it is eagerly viewed by the partner classes. Teachers are given a set of guidelines to help their students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultures of their partners as well as a new perspective on their own musical heritage.
• Partner classes exchange a thank-you notes directly with one another.

What it costs:

The exchange fee for American classes is $100. This fee includes the following:

• teaching materials
• ongoing support from our office
• MusicLink World Video
• World Video booklet containing music, lyrics and supporting cultural information

School classes from outside the USA do not pay any exchange fee. We do, however, usually ask our international partner schools to pay the shipping costs for mailing the class' videotape via air mail to our office in the United States.

Interested in joining us?

Click here to Contact our Office for more information or for an enrollment form. While registration for our January 2007 program ends at the end of October 2006, we anticipate filling all of our partnerships well before then. Please enroll as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.