Music Education in The Galápagos Islands

Claudia Hoffman Start Date: Apr 15, 2018 - End Date: Jun 3, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

My Travel Story

by: Claudia Hoffman Start Date: Apr 15, 2018 - End Date: Jun 3, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
Hello, all!

This summer I will be traveling to the Galápagos Islands for 7 weeks to teach children about vocal performance, music theory, rhythm, choral music, and music in general. This program will truthfully help me become a better teacher, leader, mentor and will better prepare me for a future career in non-for-profit music. I will share my knowledge of music in the Galápagos so that students understand they are capable of pursuing a musical career, and are more confident in their own knowledge of music and their personal abilities. Another major goal of mine is to find my own leadership style and practice adjusting my teaching methods according to each, individual student. I want to become a better teacher, mentor, and leader during this trip so that I can hopefully continue to inspire youth of other areas of the world to relentlessly pursue their musical passions. 
I am excited and passionate about this project because it will not only be beneficial to my development as a leader and a musician, but will keep music alive in an area of the world where focus on music and the arts is needed. In the Galapagos Islands, students do not have as much access to the performing arts as students do in the United States. During my work in the Galápagos, I plan to bring my skills in creativity and team bonding to the table in order to inspire kids to work together and make music that their culture can continue to pass down from generation to generation. Hopefully this will bring more attention to the arts in San Cristobal, the island on which I will be doing most of my work, and will show other members of this close-knit community how strong the power of music is, and what it could do to bring their community and their youth together. 
In picking my volunteer work/ intern abroad location, I was very torn. I was torn between traveling to a place where music was already flourishing, or traveling to a place where music needed development. I weighed out all of my options, and decided that the Galápagos Islands were the best fit for me. I have always had a passion for helping others, and have always been a strong leader. With this being said, my talents would be better utilized in an area where music needs development. I looked at my personal skill set a little deeper, and came to the realization that I want to be immersed in a culture different from my own. More specifically, I would really love to improve my Spanish. My passion for the environment is also growing- what better place to observe an unfamiliar environment than the Galápagos?? 
This opportunity means more to me than I will ever be able to express. I hope that in reading this you have learned more about what I plan to do during my 7 weeks teaching kids in the Galápagos Islands all about music and it’s global importance. Even a dollar helps- please consider donating to my fund and much love to ALL!! Thank you :)
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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