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muzieklessen voor vluchtelingkinderen en nieuwkomerskinderen

"Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind and flight to the imagination"

- Plato -

Free as a Songbird

In the Free as a Songbird project, children in asylum seeker centres (AZC) schools and newcomer schools learn Dutch through singing. They are taught by professional music teachers who are specially trained to work with this target group. Through music, they learn the Dutch language, make new friends, and discover their own voice.

The music method aligns with the language teaching methods used by teachers in newcomer education and is based on the BAK vocabulary list. Across 40 lessons, teachers cover all themes through music. The project concludes with a school concert, in which the children perform together with professional musicians for parents, teachers, and other children.

 

Music is a universal language!

 

Communication is the first step towards freedom. Language is a means, not an end. Music goes even further: it is a universal language through which children can express emotions that are difficult to put into words.

A key part of Free as a Songbird is that children write lyrics for songs. They tell their own stories and, in doing so, practice school vocabulary in a playful way. Singing and making music together also creates connection: it is one of the best ways to make new friends.

Positive effects:

  • The children experience singing together as fun and do not feel like they are learning.

  • The music lessons strongly contribute to socio-emotional development.

  • The project promotes integration and social cohesion.

  • Singing in Dutch strengthens sound development, fluency of pronunciation, and listening comprehension.

  • It supports school success and equal opportunities in education.

A safe learning environment

Our lessons stimulate children in a different way than regular education. In a safe and enjoyable learning environment, children feel confident to express themselves and speak more freely. This allows talents to emerge that might otherwise remain hidden.

Our music teachers have extensive experience in group lessons and are trained in advance to work with newcomer children, including those who have been traumatised by war situations.

Want to learn more?
Download our brochure!

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Free as a songbird is supported by many partners.

Read our Terms and Conditions

Songs in the project
Pannenkoeken tango
Pannenkoekentango
00:00 / 01:38

With the 'Pannenkoekentango' the newcomers learn sounds such as 'P' and 'K' in all kinds of combinations and of course all the words around this theme.

 

An up-tempo and energetic children's song, composed by Evelien Graat. And who doesn't love pannenkoeken?

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Care to join?

Would your AZC school or newcomer school like to participate? Please contact project leader Iris Bijland at

 i.bijland@soundsforfreedom.com .

We provide in-person lessons in the Randstad region. Schools outside our service area can make use of our online learning environment.

Participation in Free as a Songbird costs €750 per school year: 32 lessons including 3 interim presentations and 1 final concert with professional artists.

Thanks to support from subsidies, funds, and partners, we are able to offer this at a low threshold.

©2026 by soundsforfreedom.com.

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