Music Basti, started by Faith Gonsalves in 2008, are now recruiting music mentors for the 2013-2014 campaign. Aimed towards providing at-risk children with the opportunity to pursue music and arts, Music Basti boasts of a vast network of musicians that work together as mentors for these children throughout the city. Their projects have also boasted of special mentors such as Vishal Dadlani, Kailash Kher, Advaita and Swarathma amongst others.

The musicians act as a part of the Teaching Artists team as instructors and conduct various workshops and projects to draw out the true potential of each child. Abhishek Mathur, Delhi-based musician and lead guitarist of Advaita, says, “Music has a great impact on the mind, when you sit with the children as a mentor and work hard together toward achieving a goal, you can see the changes and improvements that occur within the group.”

For those of you wondering what the qualifications are, well, you need to be 18 or above, and proficient in either vocals (Hindustani or Western) and/or an instrument without the requirement of formal training.  What’s more? 15 musicians that will be selected from the applications will have the opportunity to receive 1 week of training with MIMA Music, New York.

“You have to be innovative and come up with different ways to pass on the knowledge, in return, you get to learn the depth of music, improve musicality, and become a better teacher and realize a great feeling of satisfaction that you did something to help someone’s future.”, said Abhishek. 

Music Basti has conducted activities and programs that have included the direct participation of over 500 children and 300 volunteers. They have collaborated with organizations such as “Dil Se” Campaign (Center for Equity Studies and Aman Biradari, India), The YP Foundation (India), Vidya, Plan India; and educational institutions including Bridge Music Academy (India), Global Music Institute (India), The American Center, The German Embassy and more.

To apply, click here.