(Soma iyi nkuru muri Kinyarwanda.)

Audace, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Your reflections offer insight into how music has been used in practice over many years to support individuals and communities across Rwanda. We are pleased to be sharing your story again, revisiting your professional journey with music and your ongoing partnership with Music as Therapy International.

You’ve been a Partner of ours for some time, but we realise your journey with music may have started before then. So how long have you been using music?

I have been using music to support people for many years. I began using music as therapy in 2009 when I was working at Centre URUGWIRO, supporting children and young people with disabilities. From 2009 to 2014, I was trained by staff from Music as Therapy International, and after I continued receiving additional training. From the moment I began, I saw how powerful music is in helping people calm down, regain confidence, express emotions, and heal emotional wounds. Since then, music has become an essential part of both my professional work and my daily life. It has now been about 16 years of using music as therapy with children with disabilities, youth, teen  mothers, and many others facing different challenges. My journey started in a simple way but has grown remarkably, and music continues to be a central tool through which I am able to reach and support people deeply.

Currently, I use music every week in different groups and in the community. I mainly work with children with disabilities, young mothers, and youth with behaviour challenges or those using drugs. Each week, I support between 30 and 50 people, depending on the setting. As I continue working with them, I see how music helps them rebuild confidence, reconnect with daily life, and rediscover joy.

What inspires me most is seeing the positive changes music brings into people’s lives. When a child who is usually restless begins to smile, or when a troubled youth starts engaging confidently with others, it gives me strength to continue. Music has a unique way of reaching the heart, and every day it motivates me to keep moving forward.

I have seen people grow in confidence much quicker than before. At the beginning of a session, many arrive anxious, shy, or lacking self-esteem. Through music, they become more open, expressive, and comfortable sharing their feelings. This level of transformation was not as visible in my early years of practice.

How has your understanding and practice of using music evolved / developed over time?

Over the years, I have become more skilled at adapting music to the needs of each group I work with. I have learned new ways of structuring sessions, using different instruments, and aligning my approach with the specific needs of beneficiaries. With time, I have come to view music as a powerful therapeutic tool with endless possibilities

I remember a child with a disability who struggled to speak and socialise. Through music, he slowly became relaxed, more expressive, and began engaging confidently in group activities. This memory always reminds me why I should never give up, even during difficult times.

Even with the power of music, we understand it’s not always easy to sustain a music programme. What do you think is the secret to continuing for so long?

The key is seeing real change in people’s lives. When I see someone becoming more confident, more sociable, or more hopeful, it shows me the value of my work. I am also supported by dedicated partners who inspire me to keep going.

I have faced several challenges, including lack of musical instruments, limited public understanding of music therapy, and difficulties accessing funding. I overcame these by forming partnerships, making the most of the few available materials, and educating people about the benefits of music in emotional and social wellbeing.

I am proud that I have been able to reach many people facing different challenges and help them experience meaningful transformation through music. I am proud of opening new doors of hope for children, youth, and young mothers who often felt forgotten.

One former colleague who worked with street children, now is a school leader (Head teacher) often invites me to train his teachers because he believes in the impact of music therapy. My colleagues and partners have supported my growth, and the children and youth I have worked with continually remind me of the importance of this work.

The biggest lesson is that music is universally loved and understood. I learned that even people with emotional wounds or mental challenges can be supported through music, and that music can connect people from many different backgrounds and strengthen relationships and confidence.

What do you hope Music as Therapy International has learned from you during our time working together?

I believe Music as Therapy International has learned that there are capable local practitioners in Rwanda who can develop and sustain music therapy. Supporting local actors has long-term impact. I also think they saw that music can support youth without disabilities; for example at the Rusizi Youth Centre, where we use music therapy three times a week to support young people who are trained in vocational training. This has improved their learning, socialisation, and enrolment. I hope Music as Therapy International has also learned that when you train someone in one skill, it can inspire them to develop many more skills, just as we expanded our practice and even established an organisation like Youth Led Music Therapy (YLMT).

Have you extended / adapted your use of music?

Yes. My practice has expanded significantly. I now use music not only for therapeutic sessions but also for reducing stigma, promoting peace-building (we have the partnership with IPYC:International  Peace Youth Group, supporting education, and strengthening youth empowerment. This work is now carried out through an organisation I co-founded, Youth Led Musical Therapy (YLMT).

I saw how powerful music is in transforming lives, especially among youth and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses. This inspired me to establish an organisation using music as a healing tool. As a Music as Therapy International ‘Recommended Trainer’, I often trained other centres across the country, but without a structured organisation it was difficult to coordinate communication, official letters, and resources. Having a formal organisation allows us to plan and deliver training more effectively and sustainably.

I realised that an association provides transparency, stronger partnerships, and broader community impact. It allows us to operate professionally and reach more people than I could as an individual.

I have seen families and communities becoming more open to accepting children with disabilities, supporting young mothers, and understanding that youth using drugs need assistance rather than judgment. Music has helped bring people together, and many families now recognise its value, though there is still more work to be done to fully change society’s mindset.

At first, people saw music as childish or a waste of time. Attendance was low, and many could not understand its purpose because the concept was new in our community and in Rwanda generally. To overcome this, I used  education sessions, and real-life examples of how music changes lives. In early stages, I even supported some participants financially to encourage attendance until they understood and appreciated the practice.

What about your journey do you think could inspire other caregivers?

I started with almost nothing, but passion and love for people helped me use music to transform my life and the lives of many others. This proves that anyone can create change. Another inspiring part is seeing former beneficiaries (children and youth with disabilities) now living independently, working, and raising families. Before we started music therapy, many were hidden or rejected. Today, they are valued community members.

You have already achieved so much with your work with music. Do you have any further aspirations and plans?

I plan to expand music therapy to more locations with adequate instruments, provide more training to youth clubs, teachers, and centres for youth and people with disabilities. I want to establish groups for older adults, teen mothers, youth using drugs, and people with chronic illnesses to receive training in using music. I also aim to develop a national framework for how music can be used across the country.

I hope Rwanda recognises music as an essential tool in education, mental health, and youth behaviour support. Every institution (schools, centres…) should have a permanent music programme for children with disabilities, young mothers, older persons and youth. Hospitals and health centres should also offer music-based services.

Music as Therapy International is proud of its longstanding relationship with you. Can you describe how the relationship with the charity has developed and enabled you to achieve the progress you have?

Music as Therapy International provided extensive training, guidance, music instruments, funding the  training and professional support from 2009 to today. Everything I do in music is rooted in what the charity taught me. This partnership strengthened my confidence and enabled me to develop high quality music programmes that create real impact.

How important do you think developments / advancements in the use of music is driven by local practitioners, such as yourself?

It is very important. Sustainable development must be led by local people who understand the culture and the real needs of the community. Empowering us (local practitioners) helps ensure long-term impact.

We have Partners all around the world, some in similar positions and many in earlier stages of their journey with music. What would you say to someone who is considering taking their use of music further?

I would tell them that in the beginning, they do not need many resources or advanced skills. What they truly need is a compassionate heart, patience, and commitment. Change takes time. They should stay creative and seek new ideas.

Once they begin, music itself will guide them, giving direction and strength throughout the journey.