When classical music and innovative educational technology meet, a new language of learning is born.

Symphonic DasA, with the support of the Manoogian Simone Foundation and in strategic partnership with the Visual Armenia Foundation came to Gyumri this week. The Symphonic DasA initiative brings classical music into Armenian schools — not as a performance, but as a living part of education.

As part of this Gyumri program, we had the honor of welcoming Christine Simone, President of the Manoogian Simone Foundation and strategic partner of the Visual Armenia Foundation, together with Hovhannes Ghazaryan, Executive Director of Visual Armenia, and members of his team, to two interactive music classes at the Gyumri Economic Lyceum and the Photon Lyceum, where students aged 12–18 explored rhythm, chords, and composition through musical games.

Ms. Simone’s warm presence and direct participation inspired everyone, turning each class into a memorable and uplifting experience.
One of the program’s most significant innovations is that Symphonic DasA is now available on the Brainograph educational platform alongside nine academic subjects — introduced as a dedicated course designed primarily for high school students, yet engaging and accessible for learners of all ages.

Under the title “A Journey into the World of Classical Music,” the course includes two extended lessons:
“Secrets of the Orchestra” — familiarizing students with the structure and instruments of a symphonic orchestra, and
“The Language of Harmony” — exploring emotion, rhythm, and the art of composition.

Together, these two lessons encompass nearly 30 original articles that combine theoretical knowledge with practical learning. A new category, “The Nota” (“Musical Note”), has also been introduced to highlight the foundations of music, featuring engaging materials on instruments, conductors, and musical genres.

Developed by leading musicians and educators using multilingual sources in Armenian, Russian, and English, the content is enriched with multimedia, video, and visual elements that make learning vivid, intuitive, and inclusive.

Through the fusion of art and digital innovation powered by Brainograph EdTech, the program awakens creativity, nurtures emotional intelligence, and brings harmony into the classroom.

In Gyumri, Mrs. Simone is welcomed not only as an honored guest but as a true friend. Through her generous support, and within the framework of the Visual Armenia Foundation’s “Smart Boards for WorldView Schools” competition, both the Economic Lyceum and the Photon School have been equipped with next-generation smart boards.

The visit was marked by genuine enthusiasm and the heartfelt hospitality for which Gyumri is known. The day concluded with moving performances by the student choir and a historical showcase dedicated to Mrs. Simone’s distinguished family — Alex Manoogian and Louise Manoogian Simone, long-standing friends and benefactors of Gyumri and Armenia.

Supported by the Manoogian Simone Foundation, musicians of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra have, throughout September and October, conducted lively interactive lessons for Gyumri’s youth for the DasA program, culminating in grand gala concerts at the Vardan Achemyan State Drama Theatre, where masterpieces of classical music come to life — celebrating the perfect harmony between art and education.

Note: Music has always been a core component of Armenia’s general education system, taught across twelve grade levels. Yet in practice, it remains one of the most undervalued subjects — too often seen as a secondary discipline rather than a vital tool for intellectual and emotional growth. Neuroscience and educational research, however, tell a different story: music education enhances memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills while nurturing creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Unlocking that potential requires new methods, engaging Armenian-language resources, and empowered teachers — precisely what Symphonic DasA and Brainograph EdTech are now making possible.