Sulamot: Teaching children to communicate with music as the common language

Sulamot has two meanings: It can be a ladder or a musical scale in Hebrew. Most importantly, perhaps, in life it is an innovative and inspiring music education program for children at risk in all walks of life in Israel.

It is based on the experience of playing in ensembles: group learning and practice, frequent performances as well as consistent individual attention inside and outside the group setting.

Sulamot focuses primarily on children in marginal areas and underprivileged communities who have the least resources but often the greatest needs. By establishing youth orchestras Sulamot seeks to nurture values in children and develop their musical as well as social skills. The program also aspires to instilling motivation, hope, and a sense of pride and belonging in the children’s families.

Sulamot was created as a joint program between the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Tel Aviv University in October 2010. To date, 1,200 children have learned to play in 18 Sulamot orchestras and on a special program for blind children.