Directors

Samira Kaya

Samira started as a saxophone student with Monique in 2010 (aged 9). She has been very much into music ever since.

‘In my upbringing, there was the opportunity to have music lessons. I learnt all kinds of instruments and took final exams in music at school. I am aware that by no means everyone has that privilege. Music delights, connects and more and more studies show that music contributes enormously to a child’s development. Children learn to play together and can teach each other new things.
I always loved Monique’s projects: giving children in difficult circumstances the chance to make music. When I heard of her illness and knew that the foundation would be disbanded, I knew what I had to do. I want to give as many children as possible the chance to take music lessons, and hope to make their lives a little nicer that way. In Uganda and Colombia, I experienced how eagerly children absorbed music and how driven they were to learn. That enthusiasm makes me want to continue working for the beautiful foundation Monique has established.’

Josien Reimink

Josien has been involved with the foundation since 2021 and has shared the directorship with Samira since 2022.

‘I got to know Samira during our studies. She told me about the foundation and I was immediately super interested and inspired to want to contribute something too. I myself have always enjoyed music lessons. I took guitar and singing lessons and also had the luxury of having several instruments at home. For me, it was also a matter of course that I could do and have this. I also grant children who have a much harder time to be able to indulge in music, have the opportunity to take lessons and make music together. Together with all the board members and volunteers of MvK, I hope we can give a group of children in Uganda and Colombia the joy of making music together. I hope to be able to contribute to this beautiful foundation by helping with a beautiful site, newsletters and also carrying out/inventing benefit events and projects!’

Board

Heleen Verleur

President

Petra Griffioen

Secretary

Marlijn Peuker

Treasurer

Justus Veenemans

General Board Member

Heleen: ‘Music is so important for people all over the world. Many studies have shown that music connects, it helps process emotions, it makes you smarter and more social. Music has always played an important role in my life. I currently teach piano lessons to parent and child together as a Suzuki teacher. Composing also plays a very important role in my life, for all kinds of line-ups. I myself once started with recorder, followed by flute, piano, lute, accordion, violin. I realise how privileged I was to have had the opportunity to take all these music lessons as a child. It changed my whole outlook on life! The Music for Children Foundation’s mission is to connect as many children as possible from all over the world with music, especially vulnerable children from underprivileged backgrounds like Uganda and Colombia. The music projects include music lessons, ensemble playing, performances and exchanges. The first orphans in Uganda who were once taught by founder Monique Udo are now teaching themselves and can now live off the proceeds of concerts! As a board member, I would like to help think of ways to take the Foundation further. Actually, all those things that are so ‘normal’ in the West make a huge difference in Uganda and Colombia.’

Petra Griffioen is a violinist and music education specialist. ‘All my working life as a professional musician, I have been trying to bridge the gap between the music I perform, and the audience that listens to it. I’ve been doing that for almost 30 years as a violinist with Amsterdam Sinfonietta, but also in educational projects such as Kleuter Sinfonietta, which we developed in collaboration with The Concertgebouw. It is wonderful to see what a magical effect music has on these still very young listeners. It is even more beautiful when you can help children discover what it is like to make music themselves. And even more beautiful than playing on your own is playing together. The importance of this for a child’s development is enormous. That is why, as a board member of the Music for Children Foundation, I want to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to making this possible for children in circumstances where music lessons cannot be taken for granted. So that these children too can discover the musician in themselves!

Marlijn Peuker holds degrees in Econometrics and Philosophy. She is also a violinist. During her studies, she played in several student orchestras and was treasurer of the Netherlands Student Orchestra and the Netherlands Student Chamber Orchestra. ‘When I started playing with the Ricciotti ensemble, I discovered what music can mean to people outside the concert hall. Making music is the language that people from all over the world can speak to each other. It is therefore nice when as many children as possible have the opportunity to express themselves with it. Music for Children contributes to that possibility and I am happy to help ensure a financially healthy future for this foundation!’

The definition of music is different for everyone, even if we use the same word for it. This definition depends on tastes and preferences. But that what music always does is connect people, move emotions and inspire others.
At six, my parents put me in music lessons and at eight, I had the privilege of choosing the drum kit. A collection of drums and cymbals that I have enjoyed playing ever since. I would like to get involved with Music for Children so that more children can make this choice. That they become inspired, feel connected and moved. So that even children who have so little still have the opportunity to get in touch with this world.

Teachers

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Get involved!

Organise a practice challenge

A practice challenge means that you practise on your instrument every day for a certain period of time and find sponsors for it! You get even better at music and raise money for Music for Children at the same time!
From now on, you can start your own practice challenge!

More information

Donate an instrument

The foundation can often use instruments! We are especially happy with wind instruments (saxophones!!), but we can make children happy with many instruments! Do you have an instrument that is gathering dust and do you want it to get a good new destination? Give it to us! We will gladly give it to the kids.

Contact us!

Buy art

Since 1 August 2020, the exhibition No man is an island, created by Monique Udo, can be admired online. Purchases can be made! The proceeds with some works entirely and with others partly to Music for Children. Super fun! 🙂

View the collection