Interview:

As a child I kept everything in, mainly out of fear and humiliation. Thank God my mother instilled in me a deep LOVE for music. I persevered with the art form and studied the craft of writing music and performed all the great classics because it was the only way I could make sense of the world in which I found myself. There was the consistency of practicing scales that calmed me down and gave me the time I needed to contemplate forgiveness; passionate songs into which I delved deeply, allowing me to experience a true catharsis. This cleared the way for me to speak with the people who had hurt me and I would feel LOVE for them. Music allowed my heart to be transformed because I lived IN the music each and every time I played the piano or sang a song. Music softened the harsh realities of my world and helped me transform into a wiser, more forgiving woman.

I believe that music holds a very powerful source of pride for one’s heritage. Whether it be the different modalities found in Eastern Cultures or Western Harmonies, music can elicit a sense of pride when listeners hear musical trademarks of their culture. For example, listening to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony gives a strong sense of German pride. Also, the art of writing music and understanding all its vast symbols is one that is quickly being replaced by computer technology. However, there is positive value in studying music like the study of calligraphy or Labanotation. It develops a keen eye for detail and an awareness that everything has a meaning when systematically placed in order of time and frequency. A musician needs to devote themselves to the study of a craft that may or may not ever allow him the benefit of financial gain. Therefore, the intrinsic motivation required to study or perform music is enormous. Many hours are spent honing the craft and the return might be a satisfying performance, a tear in a listeners’ eye or a heart moved to repentance. These are very positive attributes to the power of music and how it can change a life.

I take music very seriously and as I teach it to the next generation, I feel like I am preserving something sacred and profound that has been passed on by generations of warriors. I like to believe that God entrusted musicians with a mighty force. A force that can change the human heart and by doing so, avert catastrophe and war between nations and thrones. I’d like to hold onto the idea that music has tremendous value when used for the right reasons and can change a battle into a celebration. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho with trumpets and glass bell jars, and the WALLS came tumbling down. The walls that we create in our hearts are the first to get abolished when we listen to beautiful music. It’s like the voice of GOD.

“The walls that we create in our hearts are the first to get abolished when we listen to beautiful music. It’s like the voice of GOD.”
– Rebecca Harrold, Pianist and Vocalist