The “Music for Pupils” initiative was set up by Erich Fischer in 1999 and given the slogan “Making music instead of consuming”. It was further developed under his leadership as a multi-stage model finally leading to the music centre.

Music for pupils is aimed at secondary schools and special schools and thus at children and young people who would otherwise have little access to classical music and to making their own music. The aim of the project is to get these children excited about music and learning instruments, to teach them everyday skills and thus to strengthen their personal development. The project makes an important contribution to holistic education and educational justice.

The implementation happens mainly in so-called music centres, currently set up in 16 middle and special schools. They work through the following three modules:

  1. Three interactive concert workshops facilitated by professional musicians per school at the beginning of the school year, followed by the opportunity for trial lessons for interested students
  2. Establishment and ongoing support of school choirs and weekly piano lessons with support for students with special requirements and supplementary workshops in choir and piano
  3. Student performances, especially in retirement homes and festive performances by pupils together with professional musicians at the end of the school year in the form of a celebratory concert or an opera.

The funded PIANO LESSONS are a vitally important part of the project. To ensure that the students can practice at home at any time, the foundation provides the schools with electric pianos, which the students/parents can then borrow for a limited period of time. Being able to practice and play the piano at any time is an essential factor for the success, motivation and perseverance of the students and crucial to the project’s success.

The Hans Thomann Foundation has kindly supported “Music for Pupils” by donating ten high-quality electric pianos for the Maria Theresia Middle School in Günzburg. We would like to thank you very much for this!