Shillong (Meghalaya) , Dec 19 : Music is the food for the soul. The present year has been a tough one for all of us from all aspects. The year is very turbulent as we are witnessing a pandemic and many socio-political challenges.
However, the year also gave us an opportunity to introspect into the soundness of adopted mental models of growth, and initiate corrective measures to transform ourselves into prosperous, self-contained advanced human beings. We all know that music soothes our mind and during the rough days it is our only company. Many people look for an outlet through music and music helps us disconnect, and with the current health issues it helps us not only soothe our mind and soul but also unwind us from the stress.
The year was difficult for all of us but it was especially challenging for musicians.
In conversation with few musicians who shared their experiences, with the Covid 19 restriction the music teachers were reduced to taking online classes.
In conversation with Freddy Connor Kharmutee who was born in a musical family, and started his musical journey at a tender age of seven since then there has been no looking back. He has many shows under his belt and various music awards.
As a music educator he started off by teaching in Shillong School of music for a few years and presently he is teaching with the St. Anthony’s college Shillong for the past six years. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic he too has been reduced to teaching through online mode.
Teaching music online is quite challenging as you cannot see the students perform in real time, he said. During the lockdown period he started a repairing service for string musical instruments which is a part of his hobby. The repairing services initially started with his close friends and family dropping their guitars for tweaking and soon he started doing it abiding with Covid protocols but with time he developed his hobby into a professional business.
Adding to the positive aspects he said that the current situation gave him more time to focus and upgrade his skills, but teaching through online mode has been an experience for life time. As a music teacher during the pandemic has its ups and down for both teachers and students, because some students unfortunately who stay in the remote areas find it almost impossible to learn through the online mode.
But the current situation has also been good for many musicians in unfolding their musical talents.
The music teachers are doing their best with utmost dedication to bring out the best from the students and use the situation to do good for the society through music. Many music teachers have showcased their talent and entertained people through social media sites. As even in the most difficult time’s music acts as the universal language giving us hope and connecting people.
