how has your relationship with music evolved?

I sat down with a friend from Youth Arts New Zealand this week to catch up on the year just been and the future plans for YANZ and EMA. Matthew (Founder and CEO) asked me a question that really caught me off guard.

He asked: "how has my relationship with music evolved over the last 7 years because of EMA". Personally, professionally and as an educator.

It took a moment and in the end I came to the realisation that if the last 7 years has shown or taught me anything, it's solidified my belief in the power of music. Daily we see students come and go beaming with joy from learning something new, grasping a new concept, having a safe space to experiment with their craft or try new things. To create, write, discover and make friends. It's also been a place for teachers to come together and learn from one another and make connections on an educational platform but also give opportunity to collaborate as artists.

Personally, I always describe my relationship with songwriting as a love hate relationship and perhaps that's because its such a stripped back, raw and vulnerable place - which at times can feel uncomfortable but also incredibly rewarding and therapeutic. I think a lot of songwriters probably feel the same. I love the process though and I love that I can always access it as a tool and confidant.

What I love about music is that I have the option and freedom to either sit down and play/ sing songs or be daring enough to put my own thoughts down on paper. And I love that we are able to pass that power and confidence on to our students.

As an educator, when you teach something you often have the opportunity to grow as an individual too. The Roman philosopher Seneca said "when we teach, we learn". Research has shown that when students teach a topic to someone else, they demonstrate a greater effort to learn material compared to students learning for their own sake. This is called the protege effect. In short, teaching over the years has challenged me to be a better musician and player. It's challenged me to come up with different teaching strategies and extended my knowledge and better understanding of my instrument.

Side note: this is why we have such great results in our group piano programme - the opportunity to teach one another and learn together challenges students. Please encourage your children to come home and teach you what they learn.

What I love about music is that there's many ways it can take shape:

Active listening

Passive listening

Songwriting/ Creating Music

Playing Music

All 4 having a different effect on ones wellbeing and giving different outcomes.

So, I challenge you to answer the same question for yourself - how has your relationship with music evolved over the years?

Have you reflected on how you utilise music and access it on the daily? Do you actively listen? Or just passively listen? Do you play but are you daring enough to song write?

-Eliette