Every Life Deserves a Song
From music education to empowerment and lasting social impact.
Music education should create more than musicians.
At Assumption University (ABAC) School of Music, we believe music education should create more than musicians. It should create opportunity, connection, well-being and social change.
The ABAC MUSE (Music for Uplifting Society and Empowerment) team brings together faculty, students and partners to use music as a tool for education, inclusion, empowerment and community development.
Our community initiatives transform academic expertise in music, technology and entrepreneurship into meaningful action, particularly for communities facing barriers to opportunity.
From listening to lasting impact
Music education for a more inclusive, healthy society, full of opportunity.
A sustained commitment to people, communities and a brighter tomorrow.
Four programmes. One belief.
Each initiative turns music education into real opportunity for a different community.
See by Ears, Hear by Heart
Empowering Visually Impaired Musicians
We equip visually impaired young musicians with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to become independent artists, creators and music entrepreneurs.
The Challenge
Talented visually impaired musicians often possess exceptional musical ability, yet face barriers to entering the professional music industry and are frequently viewed through stereotypes of disability and charity.
Our question was not “how can we help them?” It was “how can we help them build their own future?”
A hands-on learning journey from musical talent to real-world opportunities.
Not Charity
Building capability rather than dependency.
Technology as an Equaliser
Using accessible digital tools to reduce barriers to music creation.
Changing Perceptions
Positioning visually impaired musicians as professional creators rather than beneficiaries.
Listen to the songs
Six original songs written, recorded and released by the artists of the programme.
“Before the programme, I knew how to play music. Now I know how to create, release and promote my own music.”Programme participant
Don’t Call Me Old, Just Grew Up Earlier
Using Music for Well-being in Thailand’s Aging Society
We work with older adults to enhance well-being, memory and social connection through research-informed, culturally responsive music.
The Challenge
Thailand’s rapidly aging population brings new challenges to well-being, mental health and social inclusion. Many older adults experience loneliness, reduced social interaction and limited access to meaningful cultural activities.
Our Approach
We conducted field research to understand the musical preferences of older adults and created online works inspired by Thailand’s four regions. The music was designed to be culturally familiar, emotionally meaningful and applicable in community and healthcare settings.
One song for every region
All 4 songs were recorded by leading Thai artists.
Listen to all 4 songsA culturally co-created music therapy intervention with 138 older adults led to a statistically significant reduction in anxiety, while other well-being indicators showed positive trends.
Note: n = 138 older adults. Paired t-test. n.s. = not statistically significant.
Key Partner15 Years of Widening Access
Music Training Camp, since 2011
For fifteen years, our music training camp has opened professional music learning beyond the university, connecting young musicians with our faculty and leading figures from Thailand’s music industry.
Music & Second Chances
Empowering Young People in Juvenile Detention
Through our partnership with the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, we use music to help young people develop confidence, self-expression and practical skills for a brighter future.
The Challenge
Many young people in juvenile detention have had limited access to positive learning experiences. They often face low self-confidence and few opportunities for constructive self-expression.
Our Approach
We introduce music through accessible instruments such as the ukulele, group singing and ensemble music, creating a supportive environment where participants can learn, collaborate and discover their potential.
MOU between ABAC School of Music and the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, in collaboration with the Minister of Justice, to support youth development through music.
“Music gives me a way to express myself. It helps me stay calm, work with others. It brings that I can have a better future.”Participant, Juvenile Detention Programme
Building Healthier Communities Through Music
We have collaborated with the Department of Mental Health and other partners to deliver music therapy and well-being activities for various communities, supporting mental health, emotional resilience and social connection.
Key PartnersTurning Experience into a Long-Term Solution
“Our years of community engagement have provided real-world insights, research and partnerships that inform the development of Thailand’s first bachelor level Music Therapy programme.”
Creating a ripple effect for generations
1 Community Project
Benefits dozens to hundreds of people.
1 Music Therapy Graduate
Can work with hundreds of people over a career.
Generations of Graduates
A multiplied and long-lasting social impact across Thailand.
What began as community outreach is becoming a long-term educational commitment to Thailand’s well-being.
Every Life Deserves a Song.
From music education to empowerment and lasting social impact.
We believe in a society where everyone has the opportunity to experience, create and benefit from music, whatever their age, ability or background.
Assumption University, School of Music