Every composition is unique.
The Music for Veterans Project (MVP) was created in 2021 by piano instructor & veteran spouse Emily Armour. The project encourages students, between 5 and 18 years of age, to compose music inspired by and dedicated to an individual veteran. The veteran receives a copy of the personalized sheet music, along with a link to a video of the original work in time for Remembrance Day. MVP seeks to connect generations and educate young composers on contributions made by members of the Armed Forces, including reservists.
Immediate family of veterans no longer with us can also receive a copy of a commemorative piece honouring their loved one.
Music for Veterans Project aspires to create a harmonious connection between the artistic creativity of our youth and the selfless service of our veterans, fostering a sense of unity, understanding, and appreciation within our community.
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We aim to pay homage to the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Armed Forces. We recognize their sacrifices and dedication to our country and seek to express our gratitude through the universal language of music.
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Our organization encourages young and aspiring musicians to engage in empathetic and creative expressions of gratitude and appreciation through the composition of original music. We believe that music has the power to convey the depth of our emotions and connect people on a profound level.
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We are committed to nurturing the artistic talents of the next generation of musicians. By providing opportunities for students to create and perform their compositions, we support their growth as artists and empower them to make a positive impact on society.
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We strive to bridge the generational and cultural gaps within our community. Through collaborative efforts between veterans and young composers, we aim to create a sense of unity, understanding, and connection among different age groups and backgrounds.
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We believe that music can be a powerful tool to educate, inspire, and engage the community in dialogue about the well-being of those who have served our nation by illuminating past & present individual members of the Armed Forces.
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We are dedicated to providing support to veterans and their families by organizing events and performances that commemorate their service. Additionally, we seek to establish partnerships with organizations that offer resources and assistance to veterans in need.
Music for Veterans Project brings together veterans from different generations with young composers. This intergenerational connection creates a living history, where veterans can share their experiences and personal history with the younger generation, and young composers can pay their respects to those who paved the way for their freedom.
How it works
Through direct veteran input, MVP designs and delivers learning materials, mentorship, and programming, that allows youth to honour those who serve with original music. MVP also provides opportunities for meaningful community engagement and performance throughout Canada. We believe honouring our veterans should be free from prizes, and do not include any competitive or contest-like components. All music students, regardless of musical ability or composition experience, are encouraged to take part. One of the most touching responses came from a Cold War era reservist who received a piece called “The Protector;” created by a 5 year old student who had started piano lessons just 1 month prior. For more information visit our FAQ page.
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Living veterans and active military are provided a short questionnaire. This self-submitted material, along with a photo from time in service, is used to construct a learning module that a child then uses as inspiration.
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We work closely with immediate relatives who provide information for the learning materials. Immediate relatives include spouse, child, or parent/guardian.
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Learning materials from those who lost their lives in service, and whose graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, are constructed from a variety of sources, including service files.
“Not only is this work highly beneficial to veterans, it also greatly enhances the lives of the young composers. Too often children see soldiers on television or on video games, but they don’t know anything about who they are as fully-fledged people with lives and families and interests and histories. Your project affords youth the opportunity to see these soldiers as people beyond what they would ever see through a screen, which, in turn, could spark the next generation’s interest in our remembrance events, our history, and the debts we owe these individuals.”
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We Will Remember Them.
Donations support our commemorative mission to ensure that veterans, war dead, and military personnel, are recognized for their service by Canada’s creative and compassionate youth.
Are you a Teacher?
Music for Veterans Project wants to provide meaningful commemorative opportunities to music teachers and students wishing to honour our veterans. Program development is in-progress. Please contact us for more information and to find out when this program will be offered to a wider audience!
Media
We Are the Mighty
https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-news/music-veterans-project/