Satik Andriassian, a classical guitar lecturer at Cal State LA, will return to Armenia this fall to lead the Children of Armenia Music Program (CAMP), a three-week arts residency designed for displaced children. Alongside faculty colleagues John M. Kennedy and Marcel Giwargis, the team will provide music, filmmaking, and storytelling instruction to children ages 6 to 13 living in several villages, according to program leadership.
Origins and Development of the Program
The initiative stems from a 2023 visit by Andriassian to Armenia, where she collaborated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During that trip, she observed the impact of displacement on children, which prompted her to establish a sustainable music education project. The program is now entering its second year, with plans to operate as an annual residency under the direction of Andriassian.
Did You Know?
The Guitar Center Music Foundation has donated 20 guitars and various educational materials to the program. These resources are intended to remain in Armenia after the residency concludes, providing a permanent asset for the participating communities.
Curriculum and Community Impact
The residency focuses on both technical skills and creative expression. Andriassian will lead instruction on music fundamentals and guitar performance, while Kennedy will oversee lessons in composition, sound exploration, and instrument building. Additionally, Giwargis will conduct workshops on visual storytelling and film, producing a documentary to chronicle the project’s impact, just as he did during the initial 2023 phase.
Expert Insight:
From an editorial perspective, the integration of both performing and technical arts—such as instrument building and filmmaking—suggests a shift toward comprehensive creative empowerment. By providing children with the physical tools to create music and the media platforms to document their own narratives, the program appears designed to foster agency in populations that have otherwise faced significant loss of control over their environments.
Future Outlook for CAMP
Andriassian has stated her long-term goal is to establish permanent creative centers within these communities. Such centers could allow artists to volunteer their time for ongoing workshops and educational programs in diverse disciplines, including writing and art. While the project is currently planned as an annual residency, these potential centers may serve as a foundation for broader, year-round creative growth for displaced youth in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
The program serves displaced children between the ages of 6 and 13 living in several villages in Armenia.
What is the role of the Guitar Center Music Foundation?
The foundation is a primary contributor that provided 20 guitars and educational materials, which will stay in Armenia to support the children after the residency ends.
How does the program incorporate filmmaking?
Professor Marcel Giwargis leads film and storytelling workshops that teach students visual techniques, allowing them to document their personal experiences and perspectives.
How might the introduction of permanent creative centers change the daily lives of children living in these displaced communities?
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