YATW Blog#2 Music

In middle school, I took part in an extracurricular program called Play On Philly. (POP) The program started in 2011 and I’ve been in the program since the first day up until I graduated. I enjoyed everyday of it and I liked their teachings but what really made going worthwhile, were the friends I’ve made. The program became popular really fast and we’ve had concerts at some pretty cool places like the Mann Center, the Kimmel Center, and nursing homes. We’ve even had a concert in New Jersey. To show my gratitude to POP I’m going to assist the viola players with their studies.

As a form of research I interviewed my former viola teacher. These are her answers to my questions:

1. Do you believe that music can change the lives of children for the better? If so, how?

“Yes, I have been a teacher for over 13 years. I have witnessed time and time again when focusing on a musical goal and achieving it has elevated self esteem and self worth.”

2.Have you witnessed a change in behavior or mental traits with the children you’ve worked with? Were these changes beneficial?

Yes, I have

“Yes, I have seen how playing in a group with a common goal can give a sense of belonging and purpose.”

3.Do you believe music is a powerful thing? Why?

“Yes I do. I feel that music can reach a person on such a deep level. It can give an outlet to express your feelings.”

4.Does it affect your life in a major or minor way? (Other than being a teacher.)

“Music does affect my life. I am a violist and I have traveled to many places and performed with amazing people. I can express myself through my playing.”

5. Is there a downside to learning the ways of music? If so, have you witnessed it in the children you work with?

“No, I honestly feel like there are “literally” no downsides to learning music. It is not only intellectually stimulating, it is therapeutic.”

6.How do you as a teacher make it a better learning experience for your students?

“I am very dedicated to my students succeeding in both music preparation and in real life. I push my kids to always exceed their limits.”

Her answers add to my understanding because I’m learning from the teacher’s perspective rather than a student’s.

There’s been no new information on the effects music has on the brain, so I’ll just do a recap on why music is beneficial to the mind. Studying music and playing an instrument can increases one’s intelligence, problem solving skills, enhances their hand-eye coordination, increases memory capacity, improves discipline, builds self-esteem, etc. Music is also therapeutic and can even change your whole view on the world. There’s even been a study that confirms that when musicians play a duet, their brainwaves synchronize. Music truly is something special.

Paragraph#4 What Im going to do

As an agent of change I’m going to go to my old school where the program is held, and I’m going to assist the new violists with their musical studies. I’m going to help them with their reading, give them tips and advice, help them tune their instruments, etc. Throughout my time as an agent of change I’ll document what I’ve been doing and use some of what I will write for blog#3.

For the next blog I’ll be talking what I did as an agent of change. I’ll have some pictures and maybe even a short video. I’ll also have a description of the experience and have a review from the teacher I was assisting (maybe from the students as well).