Abstract
This study analyzed the Instituto Baccarelli and its impact on the lives of participants. The Instituto Baccarelli is a social program in São Paulo, Brazil that uses music as a means of social change. Instituto Baccarelli provides music education for children and youth from Heliópolis, the largest comunidade––popularly known by the pejorative term of favela––in the country. The purpose of this study was (a) to document Instituto’s Baccarelli educational approach; (b) to document Instituto Baccarelli’s impact on the lives of its students; and (c) to identify the ways that Instituto Baccarelli promotes social change. Data were collected through interviews, observations in the field, and the analysis of program documents and other artifacts. The theoretical framework used for this study was Mezirow’s (1978) Transformative Learning Theory, an educational process in which students’ previous perspectives change because of learning and developing new understandings of the world through reflection, discussion, and critical thinking. Findings suggest Instituto Baccarelli has developed unique musical practices that facilitate the development of students beyond music skills and provides for the Heliópolis community. The impacts of Baccarelli on the lives of its students are many and varied. These impacts include: (a) the development of lifelong relationships, (b) networks of care and support, (c) opportunities to learn, (d) to experience and discover a world beyond the limitations of Heliópolis, and (e) the acquisition of skills and abilities that support student growth and improvement through life, allowing them to break the cycle of poverty. All students and staff members reported being transformed, and extending these transformations to their families and community, enabling a ripple effect that has resulted in social change.