Saint James Music Academy

Our Programs

SJMA is located in the heart of Canada’s lowest income urban neighbourhood, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). In the DTES high unemployment, poor living conditions, crime, and substance abuse are everyday realities. The children and youth exposed to these social conditions often develop destructive lifestyle choices early. Our program specifically engages the most vulnerable children in our neighbourhood, referred to us by a network of child care professionals. We meet the emotional and intellectual needs of these children with new social dynamics, and as early in their life as possible. They learn a host of skill sets they need to overcome socio-economic and other barriers. Through music they begin to see their way to a better future. Gain self-confidence
Learn healthy social interactions, such as teamwork, gratitude and sharing, respect of the other, and mutual praise

Improve their academic, cognitive, and fine motor skills

Deepen culturally by enjoying classical music and choir, often out of reach of the disadvantaged child

Become role models to their peers and families, breaking the cycles of familial disengagement, poverty, and failure

THE CORE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

SJMA’s Afterschool Programs include the Junior and Senior divisions, a distinction of age and not ability. Both programs have largely the same structure and curricula. These include:

Transportation: to, and sometimes from, public school to the Academy
Nutrition Time: the Academy provides a light, nutritious meal daily for all children. Music theory and Rhythm Component: Kodaly, Orff and Musicianship classes are used to teach children to read and understand basic concepts in music
Instrument Instruction Component: Children learn one of ten classical instruments in small groups. Collaborative Music Component: All children participate in either orchestra, choir, or ensembles
THE MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM

SJMA has made its program accessible to the often most marginalized of children, those suffering from trauma, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and behavioural or learning challenges. Specialized one-on-one music therapy is offered to these children by qualified Music Therapists. THE PUBLIC SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM

An absence of music education in DTES public schools was the reason for SJMA’s own founding. In we began in 2010 to offer music classes to local schools once-weekly, at no cost to the school. Outreach Programs are now offered in four elementary schools and one preschool. SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS

We want to keep our children’s minds and hearts in music, even during those great days of summer! Food, fun and music education is available for three weeks to sixty children every year. YOUTH MENTORSHIP

Recognizing the social phenomenon that a child’s peers often have greater influence than any adult, SJMA has begun a program where advanced students may become mentors to younger children. Students selected for the program become personal guides and role models, assist new students, and provide classroom support, including at times actual music instruction. THE CONCERTS
Children showcase their talents in public concerts that include instrumentalists, ensembles, orchestra, and rousing choral presentations. Concerts are consistently ‘standing room only’, as parents and family, friends and supporters, the media, and others in our community share in the thrill of what our children have achieved.