Chorale De Kigali (CDK) launches music school to nurture young talents during holidays

By Elias Hakizimana.

For many children, school holidays are a time to relax and take a break from classrooms. But for nearly 50 young learners in Kigali, this holiday has become an opportunity to discover musical talents, develop confidence, and learn new skills.

Inside classrooms at Mu Tunyoni School in Kiyovu, the usual sounds of lessons have been replaced by melodies from pianos, violins, guitars, saxophones, and children learning their first musical notes.

The change follows the launch of the first Music Summer School by Chorale De Kigali (CDK), an initiative aimed at introducing children aged between six and 15 to music theory, singing, and instrumental training.

The two-month programme is designed to help children spend their holidays productively while building a foundation that could shape their future in music.

Jean Paul Tuyishime, a father of two children enrolled in the programme, said parents had hoped for such an opportunity for years.

“This idea has been in the hearts of parents for a long time. During holidays, it helps children avoid being lured into bad behaviours and instead spend their time learning something useful,” he said.

Tuyishime added that music education benefits children beyond artistic skills.

“Music helps develop children’s talents and also supports their performance in other subjects because it has a psychological impact on their education. It can help prepare future singers who may one day join Chorale De Kigali,” he said.

Ruth Mfuranzima, a mother of three whose children study at Mu Tunyoni School, said the initiative gives children a meaningful way to spend their school break.

“We wished to have this programme years ago. We follow Chorale De Kigali and we hope our children can one day join the choir. Music helps children become open-minded, and this opportunity keeps them occupied during holidays,” she said.

Mireille Umwali Rugwizangoga, President of Chorale De Kigali (CDK), said the programme was created to make holidays more meaningful by helping children acquire skills beyond regular classroom learning.

“We wanted children to remain active during holidays through an activity that gives them something lasting. Music contributes to brain development, stimulates creativity, and helps children learn better,” she said.

She explained that CDK wanted to move beyond teaching children songs for performances and instead provide a foundation in music.

“We want to prepare future artists. One day, these children will naturally become the next generation of musicians,” Rugwizangoga said.

The training is conducted by CDK members, who are volunteering their experience as singers and instrumentalists to mentor younger learners.

Dieume Muyango, a CDK tenor, pianist, saxophonist, and music teacher, said children can learn music effectively when lessons are adapted to their age.

“It is not difficult to teach children at the age of five. They learn by playing. You continue teaching them until they understand,” he said.

Participants are learning solfège, singing, and playing instruments including piano, violin, guitar, and saxophone.

Among them is 14-year-old Ineza Hono Saba, a student at Petit Séminaire Ndera, who already plays piano and violin at school.

“I expect to improve my piano and violin skills and learn more about music,” he said.

CDK said the summer school is part of a broader ambition to establish a permanent music school that can serve children and adults interested in learning music.

At the end of the two-month course, participants will receive certificates and showcase their progress in a public concert.

For the young learners, the holiday has become more than a break from school — it has become the beginning of a musical journey.

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