Founded in 2009 in the neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, this centre is the Fondation’s first specialized community social pediatrics centre. Founded and run by Hélène (Sioui) Trudel, Garage à musique provides free support services to children and youth in order to reduce the negative impacts of difficult life conditions on their development.
An innovative social development project
Powerful tools to foster healthy development
Based on findings in neuroscience, Garage à musique offers powerful tools that foster the healthy development of the brain’s executive functions, both in a preventive and curative way. Today, more than 700 young people spend time at the centre every week. We are proud to contribute to the democratization of music education and to see so many children blossom through music. Our work at Garage à musique involves interventions along three axes.
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Apprenticeships
Currently, Garage à musique is giving 10 of our young people the chance to assist a music teacher or educator in an apprenticeship role. These youth have made a commitment to finish high school and then return to Garage à musique to take on a teaching role of their own. In this way, these young people serve as models of perseverance and success for those around them in the community.
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“ Garage à musique taught me how it’s so much better in a group. Now I’m at a point in my life where I want to help other kids, to give them the same chance I had... ”
— Amy, 16 years old
Les Grands Classiques, more than just a benefit concert!
Every year, Garage à musique organizes a concert of the great classics at Théâtre Denise-Pelletier. Hosted by actor Christian Bégin and supported by well-known musicians, the Garage’s young artists take to the stage before what is always a packed house. More than just a benefit concert, this event is an opportunity to educate spectators about the community social pediatrics movement and mobilize partners in the long-term support of the Foundation.