Final Reflections

Nine weeks ago, I was making final preparations to take my first trip to Africa, journey to an unknown culture and do what I love to do: play and teach music. I did not know that while I would be here, the students were to be my teachers and the community would be my new extended family. Teaching is not easy and I learned quickly that I would need to build relevant ties to how they define music and the new musical concepts I was teaching. Together we celebrated their music and new musical accomplishments they were achieving.

I always went for the "Kenyan experience": I traveled in the overcrowded matatus (public taxi), spent a night in boarded-up home on a makeshift bed, cooked most of my meals over an open fire, washed my clothes in a basin, and even chased elephants from a neighbor's garden. Very seldom did I enjoy conveniences that I find in America and these people know what hard work really means and the true definition of perseverance. People here do not waste, children don't beg parents for candy in the store and students do not disrespect elders.


My students never give up and instinctively know that their problems would be solved by continuing to work hard. My students developed these skills from their culture and brought their best to our sessions. They have made great strides with musical concepts and their technical ability on their instruments. However, their confidence and self esteem have been the biggest improvements I have seen.

These students work hard to try to make something out of themselves in a country where over half of the people are unemployed and corruption on all levels has become a daily part of life. There is no real market for musicians in Kenya, but there is a market everywhere for individuals who can think critically, pose problems and solve them, be imaginative and creative, work in a team and be a leader, and develop high-level literacy and communication skills. The kids don't realize it yet, but they are developing these traits each day they play these instruments.

For these kids, this music program goes beyond putting on concerts and hoping that they do better in school. This program is about giving support to these students so they may build their lives, families, community and country better than the way they found it.