A Music Troupe from Finland comes to Azraq
“This project has taught me many valuable lessons, such as how the smallest things in life, like a smile or a hug, can bring so much happiness. As I witnessed children’s faces light up with joy and wonder at the magic of music, they taught me to be more present in the moment and enjoy everything that is happening around me.
The enthusiasm displayed by them towards learning inspired me to explore new teaching methods and discover innovative ways to create music lessons that would be inclusive and accessible to students from all kinds of backgrounds.
Through this project, I also gained a deeper understanding of music’s ability to transcend cultural barriers and bring people together in harmony. This has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and the memories of our time together will always hold a special place in my heart.”
- Merve, working alongside other musicians to teach music to local kids in Al Azraq, exploring music from various parts of the world, incorporating body percussion, improvisation and also drawing to make it fun and interactive.
This Spring, a group of students and professors from Sibelius Academy’s Global Music Program hosted a collaborative music week with our students at The Azraq Center!
Led by professors Nemat Battah and Puro Paju, students had the opportunity to play a variety of instruments and learn international dances and songs.
The key outcomes were to bring music making and creativity to the daily life of the kids, and to give the global music students the experience of working in an international environment and getting to know the community of Al Azraq.
“The long-term goal is to go there again with different students each time and help create a sustainable music project that can be led by a local musician(s) in the future, which will allow the kids to have music as a regularly taught school subject like any other subject’’ - Global music lecturer Nemat Battah.
“Working with the students in Azraq was a beautiful reminder of how undefined the divide between “teacher” and “student” is. I feel I was taught so many lessons about life, it’ll take quite a while to absorb it all.”
- Jussi, composer, guitarist and oud player working in transcultural musical contexts.
“It was truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm of the local youth to jump into unknown and try new things with a lot of excitement and eagerness to learn.
I also learned, that even without being a professional educator, my skills as a performing artist and a musician are more than enough to help me share the joy of music and create meaningful experiences for both myself and for the kids whom I had the honour to work with. The most important thing was to have an open heart and mind.”
-Viivi, teaching and leading music workshops for the local kids together with the project team. Also teaching Finnish folk dances and body percussion exercises, and supporting others playing accordion and singing.