Finding meaning through shared music and connection

Youths in a volunteering session with Aunty Diana.

If you believe in the power of music to bridge gaps and build communities, then you probably would be interested in learning more about the Resonance Project. We speak to volunteers of the youth-led initiative on how they spread joy to the community with music.

Founded in 2021, The Resonance Project aims to provide music access to children and seniors to support active ageing and offer student care, with 15 centres in total across the island. Currently, there are 250 active members of youths aged 12 to 18 that volunteer for the weekly sessions — On average, each volunteer engages with three children or two seniors, offering both musical education and meaningful companionship.

“The priority is the enjoyment of music and having a fun understanding of music. The Resonance Project is not exclusive; we just want people who have a heart of service to join us. Our main focus as volunteers is to form long-term connections with the attendees,” Emma, one of the volunteers, explains.

To learn more about the youth-led programme’s impact, we spoke to Emma, 17, and her fellow volunteers, Chloe, 16, and Jotham, 15.

The youth volunteers’ journey with the community

(Left to Right: Jotham, Chloe and Emma).

Youth volunteers of The Resonance Project.

Emma serves as an advisory in the service team, and moves around the different centres. She joined The Resonance Project in 2021 after her friends recommended she check out the programme.

Jotham, who works in the team and is a children's centre volunteer, also had a friend sign him up at 14. During the orientation programme, he felt a connection to the type of service offered. All of them were invited by their friends and came to volunteer with an open mind.

Despite having to juggle school and other commitments, the trio continue to prioritise The Resonance Project because they believe deeply in its purpose.

Youth volunteers performing with the seniors during The Resonance Recital.

Surprisingly, you do not have to be musically advanced to be a volunteer. While Emma is a self-taught guitar player, Jotham came in without knowing how to play any instrument and picked up the ukulele along the way.

The curriculum team creates training materials for each centre. Over the course of a year, volunteers guide children and seniors through a structured program. In the spring, they focus on rhythm and tempo, followed by chords in the summer. By the autumn semester, a song is chosen for practice, with seniors often picking Chinese classics like 月亮代表我的心 (‘The Moon Represents My Heart’), while children have more varied song picks. These sessions culminate in the The Resonance Project recital in the Winter, where participants showcase their progress. As The Resonance Project is typically a year-long programme, volunteers get to see the children and seniors gradually come out of their shells. And as they grow, the volunteers also journey alongside them.

“The kids are so wonderful! I had a primary school kid who was a little guarded. But as she got more comfortable, she opened up bit by bit. One of them even wrote me an ‘I love you teacher Emma’ post-it note; it was very sweet,” Emma gushes.

Jotham agrees and mentions how the kids tend to call volunteers “kor kor” (older brother) or “jie jie” (older sister).

“If I or any of the other volunteers don’t show up one week, the kids/seniors will ask about us. They even remember us after they have graduated from the centres.”

Finding purpose through giving

A youth volunteer teaching a new song to one of the seniors.

Undoubtedly, The Resonance Project has become a huge part of the volunteers’ lives. Through the medium of music, community is built. Between volunteers, a shared love of service has led them to meet some of their closest friends.

“Service itself fuels me. I’ve served for so long until service no longer feels like a commitment but a part of my life. Even if I don’t feel motivated on a particular day, I know I will feel refreshed, happy, and energetic after every weekly session,” Jotham shares.

“At the end of the day, it’s about being part of a larger community and seeing the bigger picture. Volunteering is always worth it. Sometimes, just seeing the smiles of the kids and seniors can brighten up your week,” Emma adds.

However, there are bittersweet moments too. And when working with seniors, some of them will inevitably pass on. Others may become homebound as their illness progresses and can no longer come down for the music sessions.

But in the time spent together, Emma, Chloe, Jotham and countless volunteers want their beneficiaries to know they are not alone. For the seniors, Jotham wants them to see their value; for the children, Emma wants them to be happy. Ultimately, they all want to be teacher-mentors who deeply care for whoever walks through their doors.

The youthful dream for The Resonance Project

A group of seniors and youths from The Resonance Project.

Through the collective passion of their volunteers, willingness to experiment, and heart to serve, The Resonance Project has come far. However, as with many volunteer-based projects, there is a need for a growing team to build on the efforts of past members and ensure The Resonance Project has a lasting impact.

But for now, Emma, Chloe, and Jotham and many others continue to dedicate themselves to the project’s mission.

“We’re here to build a sustained relationship and befriend them. We’re not just there to teach them one song. We’ll stop at nothing less than our best because our beneficiaries really deserve it,” Jotham affirms.

If you’re a youth aged 12 to 18 who is interested in being a part of The Resonance Project, you can find out more on their website or join their WhatsApp group to get more information.