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Gelderland | January 18, 2021

MEC Music: "We send standard information about the Youth Fund."

Hans van Dongen is the director of the MEC Muziek music school. He started out as a music teacher, and his goal is to share his passion for music with young and old. The music school began in Zwolle and has grown into a group of eight music schools in Overijssel and Gelderland. MEC Muziek is also a music partner for more than 30 schools in the region, providing music lessons during school hours.

How do you pay attention to the Youth Fund?

When people express interest in music lessons, specifically extracurricular music lessons that they have to pay for themselves, we now routinely inform them that there are options available if you can't afford them yourself, or only partially. For example, you can contact the municipality or funds like the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture. We also regularly receive questions about this when we're distributing flyers for the music school, and it always comes up then.

Why do you think it is important to pay attention to the Youth Fund?

We get a lot of questions every week about music lessons and how much they cost. Sometimes, you don't hear anything back. Then, when you happen to talk to someone or a family member again, you discover they really wanted to take them, but didn't have the money. That's why, with every inquiry about the services offered, we always include information about the available financial options.

What does culture do to children?

Culture is, of course, important for your development. When you engage with art, culture, or music, all the negative feelings you have disappear. Besides, everyone has a talent. If you don't do anything with it, something inside you starts bubbling up. You have to do something to let your talent shine. Discovering your talent is important, also for your self-esteem.

During performances, you always see everyone very nervous about going on stage. I always tell the photographer: don't take a picture during the performance, but rather when it's just finished and they're looking up at the audience and their parents. Then you see such a liberating smile on their faces, and they're proud of themselves for what they've just accomplished.

Can you give a good example?

Children sometimes come to me and tell me they didn't dare to do much when they were younger. They didn't even dare to raise their hands in class, even though they knew the answer. And now they do, because they've started making music. They dare to stand up for themselves, and they realize they can do something and make a difference.

Do you have any tips for other cultural providers?

It's important to always share the available options when people have questions about your cultural offerings or cultural institution. Don't assume people will be comfortable asking if they need it, because that's not always the case. Someone who doesn't need it won't mind receiving this information either. You might be able to help someone else with it. Someone who doesn't dare ask but does need it will always receive this information this way. It's important that as many people as possible are aware of the available options. You could also mention this during performances. There's always an introductory speech in which you thank everyone for coming. This way, you can also emphasize how important it is for everyone to be able to participate.

MEC music gives music lessons in Wezep.

For more information: www.mecmuziek.nl