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These presentations use tales of real experiences in foreign lands in which music, as the only common language, enabled people from vastly different backgrounds to connect in meaningful ways. The tales include recorded performances on the fiddle of some of the music which served as bridges in these experiences. The presentation runs from 30 to 60 minutes and is appropriate for all audiences and age levels. The power of music as a positive life force is the common theme, but the emphasis varies with the audience:
For musicians, music majors, conservatory or music camp students, an intriguing question provides the focus - when music is claimed to be the "universal human language", that's normally said from the easier perspective of the listeners. Most people enjoy listening to music from different cultures. But what about the speakers - the musicians? Is it possible to play music with other musicians when there is no notation system, musical culture or even language in common? This question leads nicely into the ups & downs of my efforts to play with a classical sitar player in India and an African folk fiddler (along with a half-dozen drummers) in Kenya, as well as tales of music's spiritual powers - mediating an African village shouting match with music, and playing Bach for Masai tribesmen who had never seen a violin before.
For high school & middle school students who play or sing in the school’s music groups, the talk begins with my quitting violin lessons at age 13 because music wasn’t considered “cool” by my peers. But during my journeys, music opened the door to so many adventures & experiences that it turns out to be very cool – something that will bring much joy into every stage of your life, so keep playing & singing!
For general audiences, the initial questions are - Did you ever try to talk with someone who does not speak your language? Is there any way we can still communicate and connect with these people? For adult groups, this leads to a consideration of music as the “universal human language” and my adventures as a wandering fiddler in Europe, Africa & Asia. For children, the focus is on the joys of music, whether listening, singing, or playing, with the hope that the stories & tunes will stimulate them to become interested in a deeper level of involvement.
© Peter Contuzzi
For musicians, music majors, conservatory or music camp students, an intriguing question provides the focus - when music is claimed to be the "universal human language", that's normally said from the easier perspective of the listeners. Most people enjoy listening to music from different cultures. But what about the speakers - the musicians? Is it possible to play music with other musicians when there is no notation system, musical culture or even language in common? This question leads nicely into the ups & downs of my efforts to play with a classical sitar player in India and an African folk fiddler (along with a half-dozen drummers) in Kenya, as well as tales of music's spiritual powers - mediating an African village shouting match with music, and playing Bach for Masai tribesmen who had never seen a violin before.
For high school & middle school students who play or sing in the school’s music groups, the talk begins with my quitting violin lessons at age 13 because music wasn’t considered “cool” by my peers. But during my journeys, music opened the door to so many adventures & experiences that it turns out to be very cool – something that will bring much joy into every stage of your life, so keep playing & singing!
For general audiences, the initial questions are - Did you ever try to talk with someone who does not speak your language? Is there any way we can still communicate and connect with these people? For adult groups, this leads to a consideration of music as the “universal human language” and my adventures as a wandering fiddler in Europe, Africa & Asia. For children, the focus is on the joys of music, whether listening, singing, or playing, with the hope that the stories & tunes will stimulate them to become interested in a deeper level of involvement.
© Peter Contuzzi