A: “At the beginning, it was shocking, I used to work in person, and have recitals, but I adopted the virtual way through the computer, Facetime, and Zoom. At the beginning it was hard because I am from a different generation, but now it’s better. It has many advantages. We join for a piano zoom and discuss difficulties. So overall it’s good.We can also join extended families for Zooms as well. We learn and achieve.”
Q: Do you think music can motivate and shape you? If so, why?
A: “Absolutely yes. Learning and listening to music are intellectually connected. To become a good listener we have to listen to music, music develops our intelligence, it changes our lives.”
Q: I am aware that you are not only a piano teacher but also practice music therapy. Especially during these times, people feel particularly stressed and anxious. Why do you think that it is important that people have music as a soothing component and coping skill to be a part of their daily lives?
A: Music therapy is a discipline. It focuses on the expression of people. Doing and producing sounds, any type. It’s not necessary to play or have the skills to play an instrument. It’s therapeutic every time, and any person can express any sound. It’s organized with the logics of music therapy and sound therapy.”
Q: Why do you think it is important that music be there for us, especially now?
A: “Music is in our lives, it’s in our body, the melody awake in us. If we play an instrument, we dedicate part of our day to our music, it’s for our soul, for ourselves, and our emotions. They are the most important feelings for our inner selves.”
Q: How has music always been a part of your life? How did it help you overcome challenges?
A: “It’s something I could never live without. All the time, music is my shelter, when I am happy when I am sad, or melancholic. It transports me to a dimension, for creating images, it sustains my spirit.”
Q: For all the little musicians out there, what would you say to them?
A: “May music always be in your life. Whenever something becomes difficult, take a break, piece by piece, and enjoy the ride of your life. It never finishes.”
Wow, those were some truly deep words. Music is something that will always be in our hearts, guiding us through life when we need it most. Especially now, music is something we need now more than ever because it opens our eyes to a world beyond imagination. So next time when you are feeling down or something is causing you stress or anxiety, just listen to music, sing, or even play an instrument. It can really make a difference.