Bachata Academy
“The heart that feels music will feel people.” - Shinichi Suzuki, violinist
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Bachata Academy engages Dominican children with free, intensive instruction in their traditional music!
We partner with leading arts institutions to spread knowledge of Dominican musical culture worldwide.
The Opportunity
Despite the success of its musical exports, the Dominican Republic did not have an educational program focused on bachata, and few opportunities exist for children to study music. Bachata is a traditional Dominican music with a large global following. The Bachata Academy is the first and only bachata music program in the world.
Our Solution
We engage at-risk youth with a fun, culturally relevant music program that fosters personal growth, artistic expression, professionalism and teamwork. The study of bachata instills self-confidence and self-worth. Bachata’s global popularity provides our graduates with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society through careers in music.
Our Impact
More than 300 students are enrolled in daily music classes, receiving > 100,000 hours of instruction annually.
In 2019 and 2020, we partnered with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Berklee College, Jazz House Kids and others for 31 concerts and workshops attended by 7,500 US students.
Advanced students are enrolled in teacher training, building capacity for future education.
Listen to them!
Students of the Bachata Academy play a medley of classic bachata songs on the guitar. Edison Garcia and Antony Martinez interpret Morenita Mia and Me Enamoré.
Students of the Bachata Academy at DREAM participate in an improvisation class/workshop lead by bachata guitar teacher Manuel Reynoso "Riki."
What is the Bachata Academy?
The Bachata Academy is the only music program in the world that focuses on teaching bachata and merengue. A music education focused on local traditions motivates children, empowers communities and preserves diversity. The Academy adjuncts the DREAM Project’s flagship campus in Cabarete’s Callejón de la Loma and offers free intensive music classes to children of surrounding communities. The Academy's Grammy-nominated professors Martires de Leon and Abel Martinez endeavor to transmit their knowledge of bachata to future generations, while encouraging children to develop their own musical expression.
What is Bachata?
Bachata is a traditional music of the Dominican Republic. It has grown from a fusion of Iberian, African and Native American influences. Long disparaged for its association with the urban and rural poor, bachata has nevertheless become a global success. Top bachata artists sell out stadiums and attract an online audience numbering in the billions. Bachata is also a style of Latin social dance. Bachata dance schools (but not music schools) exist in cities throughout the world.
Partner with us?
Help us to enhance our program with a contribution or through a collaboration. We offer concerts, workshops on Dominican musicality and musical exchanges.
Email us: bachata@dominicandream.org
Facebook: @bachataschool
Instagram: @bachataacademy