THIS SEASON, WE ARE CELEBRATING THE MANY WAYS WHICH MUSIC CAN EXPAND A PERSON’S WORLD VIEW, AND THE WAYS THAT MUSIC CAN TRANSCEND AGE, LANGUAGE, AND MORE TO BRING PEOPLE A LITTLE CLOSER TOGETHER.
Last week, Mak Grgic told us why he believes that music is accessible to all people. But are all musical styles accessible for musicians to learn? Emily and Peter Senchuk, Elemental Music program directors, say yes!
For the Senchuks, the universality of music means being a musical chameleon and performing in a variety of settings. Emily and Peter both studied music at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and they credit much of their musical versatility to the professors who taught them there. Both of their teachers had performed at times with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, recorded for Motown sessions, played in pit orchestras for theatrical productions, and more.
These diverse experiences were then passed along to the Senchuks as they were studying. Peter explained:
I remember studying for school but still playing all over town. I was my teacher’s first call sub for all of his gigs. During the winter, I remember playing a church gig in the morning, two performances of The Nutcracker in the afternoon, and Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music at night – four gigs in one day: playing chamber music, playing in a pit, and then playing big band music. That’s just what it was.
Peter and Emily’s studies helped them assemble the patchwork for a beautiful quilt of musical experiences. Maybe your young musician will grow up to sing with the LA Master Chorale, perform at the Angel City Jazz Festival, or tour in the pit for Hamilton - who knows? As Emily put it, “Music is music.” At Elemental Music, we provide our students with the tools they need to be well-rounded and successful musicians in middle school, high school, and beyond!