Musica Unita:

Music Education Programme

In collaboration with Africa Music School

Musica Unita is a registered Scottish charity (SC054772) dedicated to advancing music education and the arts through innovative training, inspiring workshops, and collaborative programmes with educational and community partners. Our mission is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

We use music education as a tool for educational equity and social change, providing free, inclusive programmes for disadvantaged and marginalised children and young people aged 3–25. Our work seeks to bridge gaps in access to learning for those affected by poverty, displacement, disability, and limited educational opportunity, while supporting creativity, leadership, transferable skills, and cross-cultural connection.

Our teaching is informed by Paulo Freire’s dialogic, learner-centred approach, valuing lived experience, critical reflection, and collaborative learning. All programmes are delivered in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, recognising every child’s right to education and cultural participation.

Musica Unita delivers community-based music education programmes with an initial focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, while creating tangible benefits for Scotland through professional development for Scottish educators, creative collaboration, and global exchange that positions Scotland within international music education practice.

We are committed to building sustainable local leadership through teacher training, shared musical experiences, and intercultural collaboration. Currently, Musica Unita supports students and teachers at Africa Music School (AMS) in Uganda through training, workshops, and mentorship that enhance skills, creativity, and professional growth, while also promoting inclusivity, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness.

Musica Unita was founded by Isabella Gonzalez Diaz, who co-led the organisation’s inaugural programme in 2024 alongside Rhionna Inwood, in collaboration with Africa Music School.

Board of Trustees

Isabella Gonzalez Diaz, Founder & CEO

Peter Brown, Chair

Christopher Gough

Stewart Wilson

Elizabeth Jenkinson

2026

Musica Unita became a Scottish Registered Charity in November 2025. During this period, it received support from the Make It Happen Fund to develop and deliver its online teaching curriculum and established a Board of Trustees.

2023

This year, the programme ran for all of August in Uganda and is expected to reach approximately 400 young people (aged 3-25) and their communities. Among the locations are Busunju, Kampala, and Salama School for the Blind, with to two additional sites of refugee camps in Kampala, home to children and young people from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I had the privilege of working not only with Africa Music School but also with YARID, Seeds of Hope, and the Africa Institute of Music, where I delivered workshops and classes for children, young people, and teachers.

This year, I’ve introduced a new name for the programme “Musica Unita” which explores creativity, leadership, and connection. Empowering voices is at the heart of this programme, as students are encouraged to use music not only to build technical skills but also as a tool for advocacy, expression, and social change in their communities.

Thank you to Glow Worm Recording Studios (Glasgow) for sponsoring the 2025 programme this year.

Additionally, we hosted two fundraising concerts in Glasglow, UK.

Took place in Uganda from Nov 1-15, 2024. A two-week community music education program that fosters leadership, creativity, and community bonding through shared musical experiences. We aim to create an initiative that continues to thrive and grow long after us, ensuring the sustainability and lasting impact of our music education efforts. We delivered our program to the Africa Music School students and teachers, which currently operates in two centers in different communities ( Busunju and Kampala). Additionally, we also delivered our program at Salama, a school for visually impaired young people. A special thank you to Frankie Kalema, Director and Founder of Africa Music School.

CLICK HERE for Video Link of 2024 Programme

2024

2024 Community Music Initiative -  Contributors and Supporters

2025

Since I began teaching these incredible students online in 2023 and successfully launched the initiative of this programme in 2024, my passion for this work has only deepened. It has ignited a fire within me to continue advocating for them, to push for the opportunities and support they deserve, and to fight for their futures. The impact I’ve seen firsthand has only reinforced my unwavering commitment education advocacy. It's more than just a programme; it's a lifelong mission to empower these young people and ensure their voices are heard.

AMS Website: africamusicschool.org

Current Programme Curriculum:

  • Musicianship

  • Choir

  • Band (Brass & Wind)

  • Masterclasses ( Brass, Chamber Music, Conducting)

  • 1-1 Lessons

  • Professional Development Sessions

  • Q&A sessions/Mentoring

  • Community Engagement Sessions

  • Workshops:

    • Early Years

    • Creative Composition

    • Song Exchange

    • Song & Dance

    • Music intro to communities

If you're interested in becoming a donor or contributor, we’d love to hear from you!

“A great opportunity and inspiration for us. I’ve had a lot of fun and learned singing, believing in myself, and gained more knowledge in music”

— AMS Programme Participant 2024