I interviewed 3 of my closest friends who I’ve met in different situations. My first friend is someone who I’ve played in orchestra with, Jessica. My second friend is someone who I met through mutual friends and was my classmate in grade 10, Katie. And my best friend who I met in grade 1, even to this day, Heidi.
I can see the they all agree that music plays an important role in their life as it is a way to escape from reality. As they listen to certain lyrics that matches their mood, it brings relaxation and a sense of connection that only they can obtain from music. It’s also important to them as they listen to different genres and artists, it helps them distinguish themselves from each other and creates a bit of identity. For example, orchestra friend said that when she listens to classical music, it calms them down and becomes more focused.
Although music has always been a part of their life, they didn’t start physically start learning an instrument, or instruments, until middle school when it was required. They’ve all expressed that they enjoyed listening more than playing because their music teachers in middle school didn’t help them connect with their instrument emotionally. Rather their middle school teacher was rude and had little care for what they did. They found it really challenging to be able to play at a high level due to others who have taken private lessons and invest time out of class time to perfect their skills. One even said due to their lack of skill, it created tension between her orchestra mates due to the competitiveness and back talking.
Despite their love for music, continuing to study music in university we not something they would consider because they saw it as a hobby rather than a career. One did consider it because of her music teacher, but parents played a huge part of her career choice. So that is what prevented her from pursuing music.
Aside from their personal music connection, they also had influential teachers that they still remember to this day. Some are from elementary schools and one is from high school. Their teachers had an emotional connection with them that has taught valuable lessons and cared for them with integrity. Not only did they teach the materials needed for their class, but also made sure they had fun and talked about her being there if they are needed. They describe their teachers as relaxed, kind, and felt safe around them despite the problems they had. One of my friends said she hated one of her classes, but their teachers made a huge difference and was one of their motivations to try in school.
Overall, music is something that my friends love. And also their influential teacher made a difference in their lives and school atmosphere.
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