Music methods for inclusive youth participation

Inspire young people and groups through creative expression with these simple music methods!

Watch the Music in YOU videos and find new ideas for using rhythm, sound and art therapy for fun and creative interaction.

Instructional videos: 12 simple methods to use music, rhythm and sound with groups.

Interviews: Find useful insights into the work of group leaders here, and be inspired by the experiences of young participants.

Don't forget to turn on the subtitles! All videos have subtitles in all project languages (French, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian, German, Italian).

Sound Journey - Experimenting with sound, imagination and storytelling

This tool serves for practical experimentation with sound, imagination, and reflection on the various associations that people connect with sounds.

Teams go outside and record sounds from their neighborhood, nature, or surroundings. They then weave the recordings together to create a story. All the groups listen to each other's sound journeys and try to guess the story behind them.

Contributed by: Via Kreaktion

Rhythm of life

Participants explore everyday situations. They become aware of the rhythms in their lives and translate these into sounds. In doing so, the significance of these rhythms for us becomes clear. The activity: Participants describe a situation from their daily lives and, together with the others, translate it into a rhythm.

Reflection: What emotions are associated with the rhythms we perceive in our lives? How can we use or change them?

Contributed by: Via Kreaktion

Music and the power to act

The video shows how the French youth organization Docteur Larsène works with disadvantaged communities to promote cultural and artistic expression.

Be inspired by their work and learn how you can support local residents in starting music and dance projects by providing them with guidance, resources and a safe space for creativity.

The team works closely with social partners, listens to people's ideas, and encourages their initiative. It also supports the structuring and marketing of these projects, from workshops to public performances. The video highlights the importance of civic engagement and the impact of creative projects on community networking.

Contributed by: Le LABA

Multi Instrument Workshop -

Collective Practice of Modern Music

Participants discover modern music through a hands-on, collective workshop. They explore different instruments—drums, guitar, keyboard, CAM—choosing the one they feel comfortable with. The session starts with simple rhythm and melody exercises, gradually building into a group composition. Through interactive games, they learn timing, coordination, and teamwork. The final step: performing their co-created piece, reinforcing confidence and musical expression.

Contributed by: Le LABA

Music about me

Gain insights into the application of the Marchio-Patti Integrated Method, which is based on receptive music therapy.

Participants are asked to choose a piece of music that represents them at that moment, that they particularly like, or that helps them communicate something to the group. One after another, each participant tells the trainer the title of the song, which the trainer then plays for the whole group.

Contributed by: La Cittá del Sole

"In C" by Terry Riley

This activity is accessible to everyone and always sounds harmonious. It helps develop listening skills, teamwork, and musical interpretation, promoting a sense of community and creativity.

Participants are divided into 3 groups: Group 1 main melody musicians, Group 2 accompaniment musicians, Group 3 conductor.

The conductor, a single person (or more), guides the session while Group 1 plays the main melody and Group 2 provides rhythmic and harmonic support. Additional groups can be formed based on skill level. Groups can switch roles in different rounds to try out different positions.

You can find printable versions of the music scores for this activity and further reading here: https://thirdcoastpercussion.com/terry-rileys-in-c/

Contributed by: Leoma Europe (OFF Lírico)

Interview Videos

Insights into youth work in Germany

Julio talks about how music promotes intercultural understanding and personal development.

Contributed by: Via Kreaktion

Music in You project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed on this page are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or JUGEND für Europa. Neither the European Union nor JUGEND for Europa can be held responsible for them.