Musica Unita:

Community Music Programme

In collaboration with Africa Music School

Musica Unita, currently in the process of becoming a registered Scottish charity, is dedicated to advancing music education 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.

Musica Unita provides free music education and community-based programmes, with an initial focus on Sub-Saharan Africa before expanding internationally. While our programmes are global in reach, they are designed to create tangible benefits for Scotland by supporting professional development for Scottish educators, fostering creative collaboration, and positioning Scotland at the forefront of global music education.

We are committed to building sustainable local leadership by providing teacher training, shared musical experiences, and intercultural collaboration, all united by a vision of educational equity for all.

Currently, Musica Unita supports the students and teachers of Africa Music School (AMS) in Uganda by offering training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that enhance skills, creativity, and professional growth. Beyond music education, our programmes promote cultural exchange, inclusivity, and environmental awareness, equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to shape sustainable futures.

This program was founded by Isabella Gonzalez Diaz, who co-led its inaugural initiative in 2024 alongside Rhionna Inwood, in collaboration with Africa Music School.


AMS Website: africamusicschool.org

2023

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.

2024

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


 

2025

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.

2024 Community Music Initiative -  Contributors and Supporters

Current Programme Curriculum:

  • Musicianship

  • Choir

  • Band (Brass & Wind)

  • Masterclasses ( Brass, Chamber Music, Conducting)

  • 1-1 Lessons

  • Teacher Training 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, feel free to reach out .

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