A Students Perspective
Instrumentalist
Caterina Vongprachanh is a junior education major at St. John Fisher College. Growing up she played the violin for several years through primary school, as well as the ukulele upon entering higher education. When asked what she enjoys about playing instruments, she said that, “playing a song can be a relief for my life.” Cat went on to note that learning an instrument at a young age helps immensely with time management skills. Practicing daily on top of schoolwork almost forces kids to figure out a schedule that works for them. Finally, Cat mentioned that this lifelong skill sets you apart from others, and that in itself is reason enough to learn.
A Students Perspective
Non-Instrumentalist
Missy Geil is a Sophomore Nursing Major at St. John Fisher College. Born and raised in Buffalo, Missy’s always been a huge sports fan. Because she played sports growing up, she felt as though that was part of her identity. When asked the perceived benefits of learning an instrument at a young age, she said that “learning instruments may allow you to see from different perspectives in different situations.” When asked how knowing an instrument affects learning, she noted that everyone thinks differently. She then went on to decline the idea knowing an instrument affects how we learn and develop. She closed out the interview with the following quote; “I don’t think playing an instrument growing up has an impact on who you are today, it only makes you stand out from others.”
An Educator's Perspective
Non-Instrumentalist
Stacia Maiorani is a member of St. John Fisher College’s Lavery Library faculty. Growing up she was an athlete with a passion for gymnastics. Though she tried playing an instrument for a year or so growing up, she said it never really stuck. Reasons being because she didn’t like practicing or lugging her trumpet around all the time. Though she joined chorus early on, she gave up the trumpet and never looked back. Though she mentioned that she doesn't feel like she missed out, she does think that learning an instrument has huge benefits to an individual's learning. Stacia loves music, and though she can’t play it, she said that she embraces it through dance. She said that everyone should have something that they’re passionate about. For her it was gymnastics, but unfortunately for her, she’s had to “retire,” adding another benefit to the instrument list: it’s life long.
An Educator's Perspective
Instrumentalist
Robert Ruehl is a Doctor of Philosophy at St. John Fisher College. When asked his thoughts on the importance of music education, he had a lot to say. Rob started playing the guitar when he was 8 years old. He grew up listening to music by Metallica and Van Halen, so he had dreams of being a rockstar. Though he grew up in an abusive household, he found that he could lock himself away for hours with just his guitar and he’d be alright. Even when he served in Iraq, he recounts a couple memories of playing guitar for the locals. When asked to give a statement about the importance of playing music, Rob had this to say: “Playing music is a more valuable lesson than most that you can receive in a classroom. Being able to play an instrument is something that’s probably saved my life a number of times.” Rob believes that everyone should at least try to learn an instrument, as they bring a sense of meaning and fulfillment to one’s life.