ABA & GLP | Innovation Field Notes
In São Paulo, Brazil, a new window of opportunity has opened for young musicians at EMESP Tom Jobim, one of Brazil’s leading music education institutions. Connecting the talent of young musicians with their need for professional training in the music business, the NCD – Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Carreira (Career Development Center) was established by EMESP to support the transition of young musicians from their study phase to professional life. The Center helps beneficiaries by providing chamber group classes with renowned teachers from Brazil, courses with audio and video coaches to develop critical social media communication skills, and sessions with a professional photographer to better understand portfolio development.
The Career Development Center project was launched in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when EMESP could not open its doors to receive students but wanted to encourage them to see that the music profession would still continue – and will continue – when everything has passed. With the return of the on-site activities this year, participating chamber groups were able to receive the project’s grand prize: the chance to perform for an audience at Theatro São Pedro, one of São Paulo’s most iconic venues. As videos on the EMESP YouTube channel display, this year’s winners demonstrated their technical mastery and captivated the audience with their musicality at the showcase event.
EMESP Tom Jobim school currently plans to continue offering the NDC Career Development program annually in order to reach wider numbers of students over time. As its impact grows, the NDC Career Development pilot initiative at EMESP is a model that may be implemented by other social institutions of music education across Brazil and around the world.
Authored by Barbara Domingos (GLP 2022 | Brazil)
Barbara Domingos is a Teaching Artist and works as a violinist at the São Paulo State Youth Orchestra. SPYO is a joint initiative of Sao Paulo’s State Government and the Santa Marcelina Cultura foundation. A performer and entrepreneur, Barbara is also Concertmaster of the Paulista Women’s Orchestra and co-founder of Trio Safira.
