About Us
We are a youth development program that uses music as a bridge to connect with underprivileged children in the Khlong Toei community. Through structured music education, we help shape their lives, build character, and inspire a new sense of identity and purpose.
Our Vision
To see every child discover their worth and reach their full potential through music.
Our Mission
To provide quality development and structured music education for underprivileged children, shaping character, nurturing discipline, and creating opportunities for a better future.
Music For Life Manifesto
We believe
that every human life has inherent worth,
beyond skills, performance,
or talent.
We believe
that music is not a tool to select people,
but a language that helps individuals
hear their own voice.
We believe
that life is not valuable because we are like others,
but because we are not.
Music for Life Foundation
does not create musicians for the stage,
but creates spaces where people
discover their identity, dignity,
and the meaning of life through music.
Because when people recognize their own worth,
commit to their growth,
and continue learning throughout life,
they become capable of caring for themselves
and for the world we share.
Our Story
Classical music education in the Khlong Toei community—one of the largest urban slums in Bangkok—began in the year 2000, more than 25 years ago.
It was founded by Norwegian missionaries, Mr. Dag Johannessen and Mrs. Solveig Meling Johannessen, through a collaboration between the Norwegian Mission Society and Immanuel Lutheran Church.
The program was established to provide free classical music education to children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds in Khlong Toei.
Beyond music, it offers a safe and meaningful environment after school—helping young people stay away from drugs and crime, while nurturing their overall development.
Through music education, the program aims to transform lives holistically—developing not only musical skills, but also intellectual growth, emotional well-being, discipline, and social skills.
It also encourages students to pursue higher levels of music education and to share their knowledge with communities across Thailand.
The program welcomes children aged 7–13 and provides after-school classes from Tuesday to Friday (4:00–8:00 PM) and Saturdays (12:00–8:00 PM).
Students receive training in classical instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and double bass, as well as choir, music theory, and orchestral performance.
Today, more than 107 students continue this journey. In 2019, the program was officially established as the Music for Life Foundation, committed to creating lasting impact through music..