Joined by Music & OneSky: The Free Violin Program That’s Empowering Young Talent
Since the summer of 2024, the OneSky Centre has been privileged to receive support from music volunteer group Joined by Music, offering free violin classes to underprivileged children. After a year of dedicated learning, six students recently performed on stage, showcasing their talents before over 300 guests at the OneSky Gala Dinner. As one student passionately declared, “I want to keep learning the violin until I become a violin teacher!”
Vivienne and Leanne, both still in secondary school, have been passionate about music since childhood. However, in Hong Kong, learning musical instruments can be prohibitively expensive, preventing many underprivileged children from experiencing the joy of music. Driven by the belief that “everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to experience music,” Vivienne and Leanne founded Joined by Music. This initiative not only teaches violin to underprivileged children served by OneSky and other charitable organizations but also raises funds to provide these children with violins.
The two founders said, ” We believe that music can transform children, connect people in the community, and bring along growth and newfound confidence. We also find immense satisfaction on this journey.” Despite studying abroad, they have gathered a group of local music enthusiasts to teach at the OneSky Centre every weekend.
Initially, the children were hesitant and struggled with the discipline required to learn the violin. However, over time, they blossomed from unsure beginners into enthusiastic performers. The young instructors also demonstrated great dedication. They made lessons fun by using stickers and small gifts as rewards to boost motivation and even assigned homework to encourage practice at home.
Vivienne shared her joy when the children managed to play “Baby Shark” after just nine lessons during one summer. “They started from scratch and had never learned a musical instrument before. I am so proud of them!” she exclaimed.
The young musicians continued their weekly sessions at the Centre, culminating in their first public performance at OneSky’s Christmas celebration in late 2024. Performing in front of caregivers and children was a resounding success that significantly boosted their confidence and prepared them for their next big recital: the OneSky Gala Dinner in 2025.
The gala dinner’s theme, “Discovering Hidden Gems,” highlighted the immense potential of these young performers. Six violin students took to the stage with confidence and professionalism, led by their three instructors. They performed “XXX” and “XXX,” earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Their performance demonstrated that with proper guidance and encouragement, every child has the potential to shine, regardless of their background.
Reflecting on her years of violin learning, Vivienne shared, “The violin supports holistic child development by enhancing cognitive skills such as memory and attention. It also improves fine motor skills and fosters emotional expression while encouraging discipline and teamwork. These valuable social interactions contribute to their overall growth.” She expressed deep gratitude for the children’s hard work at home and the unwavering support of their parents, without which such outstanding performances would not have been possible.
Angus’s mother witnessed her son’s transformation firsthand. She said, “Angus used to lack confidence and was quite quiet, but now he is much more outgoing and knows how to communicate with others. He can even teach other children, and he is very proud of himself.”
Similarly, Lola’s mother observed a remarkable change: “After Lola joined the violin class, we unexpectedly discovered her passion and creativity for music. She was quite nervous and knew nothing at the beginning, but now she is actively participating in performances. We are incredibly relieved and proud.” Both mothers expressed profound gratitude to OneSky and the instructors for giving their children this life-changing opportunity to grow.
Lola, who is about to be promoted to Primary Three, shared her aspiration: “I want to keep learning the violin until I become a violin teacher!” Having never played a musical instrument before, she greatly appreciated the dedication of the instructors. Reflecting on her first lesson, she said, “The teachers showed us bowing techniques, how to hold the violin, and even took us to a concert.” Before long, Lola was playing songs like “Baby Shark,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
The most challenging part of her journey has been balancing practice time, especially during the week of the OneSky Gala, which coincided with her exams. Thankfully, she had already perfected her performance pieces, earning warm applause for her stage debut. In her free time, Lola teaches herself violin through YouTube but still values her teachers’ guidance. She remarked, “The teachers never give up on us; they patiently guide us step by step until we succeed.”
Bradley, also to be promoted to Primary Three, displayed remarkable poise and confidence while playing the violin on stage at the OneSky Gala Dinner. He shared, “I really enjoy learning the violin. I practice twice a week, and leading up to the charity gala, I practiced for an hour every day. Though I felt very nervous on stage, I reminded myself to do my best. If I have the chance, I will continue learning, and my parents are very supportive of me pursuing the violin.”
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