I recently began vocal lessons with a new student who is an exchange student from another country. It is amazing for me to see the appreciation for music she has. She doesn't have the opportunity to listen to music on a daily basis as often as we do here in the United States. We seem to take the availability to listen to music for granted. We can listen to music any time we want. The various music styles are endless.
I have been working with her on some Jazz pieces. One in particular was a song from her country. I asked her to sing a few songs for my students. She sang one of her Jazz songs with one verse in her language and the second verse in English. When she spent time with my school children she shared the meaning behind the words of the song. The students were mesmerized by her beautiful personality and music. They had so many questions for her about her country and loved to listen to her talk. It was an amazing experience for all the students involved.
In contrast I work with a student who transfered from another school who "just isn't into music." that seems so difficult for me to grasp. She hasn't found the joy that music can bring to the soul. She coasted through her elementary school years pretending to sing. It has been challenging to encourage her to want to sing, and I am happy to say that I am seeing some success in this area.I am trying to create a safe area where she is free to be expressive with the music and no worries of anyone laughing. I keep telling the students "Sing with your heart and make music unto the Lord."
"Music is not what I do, it's who I am."
"Music is not what I do, it's who I am."
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