Community Music Worker

The Community Music Worker training was developed by Thomas Deleu and Mia Bteich to equip mental health professionals, psychologists, therapists, and social workers from various Lebanese NGOs with practical music-based facilitation skills. Hosted by Loyac, the programme was created to support work with refugees as well as other vulnerable communities across Lebanon.

Purpose

The training provides professionals with practical tools to use music as a means of promoting well-being, social inclusion, emotional expression, and community building. Participants learn how music can create safe and engaging spaces where people can connect, communicate, and strengthen resilience.

Training Approach

Over the course of two intensive weeks, participants explore a broad range of interactive and creative methods, including:

• Drum circles and rhythm-based activities

• Improvisation through voice and instruments

• Body percussion

• Musical storytelling

• Receptive music experiences combined with drawing and reflection

• Collaborative music-making

• Group facilitation and workshop design

The emphasis is on active participation, creativity, and adapting musical activities to the needs of different communities.

Practical Experience

A key part of the programme is translating theory into practice. Each participant designs and leads their own community music workshop, applying the techniques learned during the training.

As part of this practical experience, the trainees facilitated music workshops with Syrian refugee children in the Bekaa Valley, allowing them to gain valuable field experience while offering meaningful musical activities to children living in challenging circumstances.

Impact

The Community Music Worker programme empowers professionals to confidently integrate music into their daily practice. By combining creativity, participation, and reflection, participants develop sustainable methods that foster connection, emotional well-being, inclusion, and positive community engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Watch our documentaries about the Community Music Worker projects.