How To Use Music To Help Develop Young People

There are some great youth work programs out there that use the arts – and particularly music – to help young people develop.

For those who just want to have a short session utilizing music as a form of self-expression, here are four ways you could do this:

1) Print lyrics or play songs

Use songs that have strong messages about self-expression, self-esteem or important cultural or political messages. Discuss the lyrics of the songs and explore the messages found within the songs.

One good song to use is Afterlife by Switchfoot. The video for the song (shown below) has the lyrics written throughout the video, helping young people take in the message of the song more easily. Here are some of the lyrics:

‘Cause everyday the world is made

A chance to change, but I feel the same

And I wonder why would I wait till I die to come alive

I’m ready now, I’m not waiting for the afterlife

Everyday, a choice is made

Everyday, I choose my fate

And I wonder why would I wait

Till I die to come alive?

2) Invite a local artist

Get the musician to share about their experiences. Not only as an artist, but as a person. Encourage the youth to ask questions that explore the connection between the artist’s self-expression and their music.

3) Hold a debate

Get the young people to debate between allowing free speech in lyrics vs banning hate lyrics or profanity. Give the youth a chance to research and prepare arguments about music and self-expression.

4) Create their own songs, raps, lyrics or rhymes

Invite a local youth worker who is passionate about youth programs that use music as the primary focus of their work to help youth create their own songs of self-expression. Have them help your young people to create their own songs – whether that’s just by writing lyrics or by also adding music to it.

Question: What activities or organizations that are using music do you recommend for other youth workers? Share your knowledge in the comments below.

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