Music of the Heart is the story of a teacher who loves and teaches music. Roberta Guaspari taught her students the beauty of music through violin. She believed that children can be disciplined to play the violin and their capabilities should not be underestimated by the adults. Her character in the movie Music of the Heart stimulated my interest in performing and teaching. Her advocacies taught me to play my instrument from the heart, keep on practicing, appreciate the art of teaching music and improve music education in our country.
Before watching the movie, I play the piano technically. Rests and dynamics should be observed, rhythm should be perfect and notes should be played just like what the piece says. It is right to play like that but Music of the Heart taught me that I need to place my heart on the piece and add emotions to my music. I now believe that the music played from the person’s heart is the most beautiful music anyone will ever hear.
Just like in the movie, I wish to play my instrument in Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is the counterpart of Carnegie Hall in New York City. It's always been my dream to perform in front of a huge crowd. I know it is a big dream but it is not impossible. Why? If Roberta Guaspari started small and ended up big, then why can’t I be? After witnessing the success from being a substitute teacher up to playing the violin at the Carnegie hall, with determination, patience, perseverance, faith in God and love of music, I know I can have my own concert and perform my music in front of my family and friends. Plus, I want my mother to be proud of her first student. That would be my gift to all her hardwork and time she spent teaching me to play the piano.
Truth be told, the thought of becoming a teacher someday never crossed my mind until my second year in college. This movie helped me to appreciate the art of teaching music more and to be proud of my chosen career. I want to be the teacher that I never had in my old school. I want to be someone who can touch souls of people by making and teaching music. Music of the Heart taught me and showed me a music teacher who believes children should not be underestimated when it comes to their capabilities and talents. Instead, they should be commended and encouraged to keep on playing and enhancing their talents. I know it is not easy to teach music. But that’s what I love about it: its intricacy and complicacy. It pushes me to study well so that I can teach well. I want to feel the rewarding feeling after watching my students play the instrument very well or after discovering their hidden talents. I also want to face other people’s criticism to music education with proof that students can get higher grades and have the discipline they got from studying music.
In the movie, there’s no doubt Roberta Guaspari improved the state of music education in East Harlem. I would also like to make that same bold step in our country. I read an article in the internet that violinist Itzhak Perlman told “Roberta is not teaching children how to play the violin. She's teaching them how to be doctors and lawyers and how to have dreams." People don’t understand the importance of music education. It gives confidence, self-esteem and proper discipline to young kids. It helps rebellious youths clean up their act and live life properly. It helps children achieve higher grades, get into college and enter great jobs. Music education should be a priority and not just an option if Physical Education is not available.
All in all, the movie was a stand for music education itself. Roberta Guaspari never stopped to fight for the kids’ right to study music. She knew what’s best for the kids and even bought violin, with the money her ex-husband gave to her, for them so nothing can stop them from learning. She even talked to the parents of the children about the impact of music to their kids. She started a school for music, which is Opus 118, and gained publicity for it, which music badly needed. I can say that she rightfully earned all the awards she received from her courageous act. I also want to mention Meryl Streep’s superb acting. She wanted to perfect the role of Roberta Guaspari and studied violin for six hours in four straight weeks. This inspired me to practice everyday. Especially with all the technology and gadgets, it’s hard to focus but if I want to be an excellent pianist, I need to give my time to practice. I would like to commend that this movie is perfect for music educators and musicians. And if ever I get the chance to make my students watch this, then I will do it. That’s how good this movie is.
Copyright © 2011 Em Luzande. All rights reserved.
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