Escuela de Cuerdas Mayda Isabel Jorge

A light of hope in the heart of Havana.

A girl with curly hair playing the violin in a room with musical instruments and artwork, sunlight through a geometric window casting bright light.

Our Story

Located in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana, the Escuela de Cuerdas Mayda Isabel Jorge was founded to bring music education and a message of hope to children and families in a country of desperate need. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vibrant program where over 200 students are given access to instruments, instruction, and a supportive environment in which to thrive. In a country where opportunities are very limited, our school provides a place where children can discover both their musical abilities and their sense of purpose.

Thanks to the faithful support of donors, the school has grown far beyond its original mission. Alongside music education, initiatives such as food deliveries, a thriving community garden, solar-powered energy, and transportation support are helping meet critical needs in a country facing severe shortages. What began as a place to learn music has become a lifeline—bringing stability, care, and hope to the community.

In a time when Cuba’s electrical grid is failing and power outages can last for days, the school’s solar-powered facility shines as a beacon of light—both physically and spiritually—for those it serves.

A woman with short hair sitting on a chair, playing a string instrument, while a young man in a blue shirt playing a guitar. There is a Yamaha keyboard beside them, and a music stand with sheet music in the foreground. The room has tiled floors and light blue walls decorated with posters and artwork.

Our Program

Escuela de Cuerdas Mayda Isabel Jorge is led by a dedicated team of local instructors and leaders who are deeply committed to their students and their community. Under the leadership of program director Alioth Gonzalez, the staff provides not only musical instruction, but also mentorship and spiritual guidance. Their approach emphasizes discipline, encouragement, and personal growth alongside technical development. Our staff takes pride in the growth of our students and their parents are frequently in awe of the changes they see at home.

Working in a challenging environment with limited resources, our team continues to serve with resilience and purpose. They are more than teachers—they are mentors, role models, and spiritual leaders looking to meet the huge need that surrounds them.

A large group of people, including children and adults, gathered indoors with some seated on chairs and some standing, as a woman plays the violin in the foreground. Several people are taking photos or videos with their phones, and the setting appears to be an event or gathering.
A young boy sitting on a chair playing an acoustic guitar.

Our Impact

The impact of our school is seen not only in the music being played, but in the lives being changed. Students who once had little access to music education are now learning, performing, and growing in confidence. Families have shared how their children’s involvement has brought encouragement, growth, and new direction into their homes.

Beyond musical development, our school is helping shape character and faith. Parents are coming to know God, lives are being transformed, and the program continues to expand its reach within the community. In a place facing ongoing hardship, the school serves as a true Missionary Music School—revealing how God’s light can shine powerfully in the darkest times.

Children in white dresses and shirts singing on stage during a concert, with an orchestra in the background.

Escuela de Cuerdas in Action

We like to refer to our music schools as “Missionary Music Schools” because their mission is to do more than teach music; we want to share Jesus with the world in every way we can! The work being done at Escuela de Cuerdas Mayda Isabel Jorge is having a huge impact on the island of Cuba as children, families, and even whole communities are being transformed! Please look at some of the many ways God is blessing the work in Cuba.

A Shipment of Hope

See how Healing Music’s school in Cuba is bringing hope, life-saving sustenance, and the love of Jesus to children and families facing a time of tremendous hardship.

  • "We want to thank God first for sending the people of the school with such great hearts for this BIG help! This gesture of love towards our son and family on the part of the chaplains, directors, teachers and secretary of the school means so much to us. Without you, we would not know the magic of music, the beauty of its melody, and the knowledge of God. I don’t have words to express what I feel for such a monumental work you are carrying out. Thank you, thank you and thank you!"

    -Anthony’s Parents

  • "Today we received a visit from your spiritual counselor. We want to thank those that made it possible for us to help our family financially. We feel your love! Dylan was especially moved by the prayer. Nobody had ever prayed for us before. Our family is going through a very painful season, and you have reminded us that we are not alone."

    —Dylan’s Mom

  • We just received a visit from your chaplain. We are beyond grateful for the help you’ve brought to our family. During this very difficult time we are going through, we appreciate it more than you know. May God bless you all for blessing us!

    —Yuliana and Yaliana’s Mom

  • "We don’t have enough words to thank you for the financial and spiritual support you’ve given to our family during this critical time. It is of great comfort to know that, in addition to giving my son an excellent musical education, our entire family is cared for, especially spiritually. Your financial contribution has provided badly needed food for our family, and your chaplain has taught us that God hasn’t forgotten about us, and that Jesus loves us. We have asked him to share with us more about Jesus. You have shown us that you are much more than a beautiful music school: you are a place where we feel loved, appreciated, and where we are safe."

    —Frank Alberto’s Mom

  • "The folks in Alamar have been without electricity for 2 days. All our food has gone to waste. We have been discouraged. But today we received a ray of light: a spiritual counselor from the school visited us. We were happy to see him, and we were shocked to receive $20, a Bible, and some rice and beans. Just last night my daughter had asked me if God really existed, and if He did, if she could ask Him to help us. I believe God exists, but I don’t know much about that. I know your school has people that believe in God, and your spiritual counselor offered to tell us more about God and study the Bible. I told him if people like him and those associated with the school believe in God, we want to be like them. Thank you."

    Escuela de Cuerdas Parent

A girl with long hair playing the violin in a room with a music stand, guitar, and paintings, illuminated by sunlight from a large window.

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