Keep the Music Playing!

Keep the Music Playing!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

`In communities across Saskatchewan, music teachers have been sharing music beyond the solo instructional or private studio for decades!  Teachers have dreamed dreams, invited friends and family on the journey, and made the world a better place by creating collaborative community music-making events. For me, these projects have been life-giving learning experiences.

The plethora of community projects I have taken part in range from background music for the opening of a fertilizer shed in -27°C weather on a grand piano with champagne being served by truck drivers in tuxedos (yes, mittens were worn during the speeches!) to being a musical director for musicals and choirs, as well as being a collaborative artist in a jazz duo and later a rock band.  All of these experiences outside of my classical background have challenged me to look at my musical life with different eyes, enhanced my skills, and brought me joy.

One of my favourite volunteer adventures has been working with the Heart of the City Program. (This program was established several decades ago in Saskatoon and provides music lessons across Saskatchewan to underserved students.  It is totally volunteer driven.) I first experienced the Heart of the City Piano Program when my daughter volunteered to teach piano in an inner-city school in Regina.  After attending the Regina Heart of the City year-end recital, I was inspired. It was clear the students felt special and seen and were delighted to have the opportunity to make music, even though they were a bit anxious. The parents and supporters of the students acknowledged, by their presence and applause, that this was indeed a special event.  All teachers had a sparkle in their eye as they watched their musical charges overcome their stage fright and be successful.

Being inspired is always a dangerous thing for me.  Coming home to my small town of Biggar, it was clear our community had children who would love to take piano lessons but could not due to financial and/or sociological challenges.

Biggar’s Heart of the City program was soon born in collaboration with the principals of our two local elementary schools.  Although not community schools, these schools had many students that were new to Canada or did not have the opportunity to take lessons due to financial or sociological barriers.

Financial support was obtained from local groups for the purchase of music and one good keyboard.  Several other keyboards were donated for practice keyboards.  Each school had a small space to create a keyboard lab where practicing happened at noon and recess.  Students were scheduled to practice for a specific time daily.

The support system for students included local seniors who volunteered to supervise the practice rooms and high school music students who volunteered as teachers. This intergenerational interaction built community, created lasting memories, and created excellent role models and friendships.

Recitals were held at the Biggar Theatre for the families and fans of these students.  These were heartwarming events, as most had never experienced piano performances.  While students were very excited to share their new skills, the parents were excited to hear what their aspiring musicians had learned, and the supervisors and teachers were engaged and enthusiastic.  Imagine being a student in that room and having all of these people (ages 6 to 80) clapping just for you!  This event will always be a cherished memory.

Our local festival also supported Biggar’s Heart of the City project by creating non-competitive Heart of the City classes.  Students had the opportunity to perform on our theatre stage, be adjudicated (perfection was not the goal), and celebrate their accomplishments in an unfamiliar venue.

One of the many gifts of this project was that it gave us all new eyes on music lessons.  This was a situation where perfection was not the goal.  Relationships, commitment, and the joy of learning were an integral part of the process.

Biggar’s Heart of the City ran for several years but lost traction when lunch hours were shortened, making practicing a big challenge.  However, we recently had the privilege of bringing Heart of the City to Cando Community School, a small K-12 school.  Again, in collaboration with the principal and staff, lessons and practice facilities were offered to students from Grades 1 to 12.

This time, I was fortunate to be the sole teacher of these enthusiastic musicians.

The time spent with these students was an opportunity to learn about music and to learn about each other’s worlds.  There was a different level of commitment in terms of practicing, so again, there had to be a considerable lens adjustment.

Students did manage to prepare performances for Christmas, the Biggar Music Festival, and other special school events.  Students were set up for success and security, with repertoire chosen carefully.  No one played alone…a simple chording accompaniment on the piano was always there as support.  A few special occasions even had teachers making a bit of a rock band by adding bass guitar and drums.  Over the five years of providing this program, it was a delight to see students grow from cowering at the applause to embracing the applause.

Creating collaborative opportunities for community music and music education outside of the private studio makes the world a better place, builds new relationships, transcends boundaries, empowers all those involved, and broadens our vision.

As willing volunteers and mentors, let’s keep the collaborative community music playing, wherever and whenever we can!