“Music is such a central thing in our lives. It’s so important, not just as a musician, but as a way to both relax and energize,” commented Emily Peters of Michigan, regarding the role that music plays in her and her two children’s lives. Beck, age 15, who plays cello in the high school orchestra, and Stella, age 11, who is looking forward to picking up her violin in the fall again in middle school, are poised to become two of My Music Bridges’ newest beta testers. “Stella didn’t care for the virtual music experience during the pandemic,” Emily said, explaining why Stella stepped away from music class last year. But that didn’t mean it didn’t continue to be integral in their lives. “They might use music to get in the right frame of mind before a swim meet, or use it before bedtime to relax and calm down. And music has fostered friendships with others who share a similar love for it. It’s just a great thing all around.”
Emily introduced her family to music at young ages. When Beck was a baby, Emily played in a community band. He grew up going to her concerts and took up violin with Suzuki method lessons before starting kindergarten. When his practice habits waned, Emily took the same approach then that she did with Stella during the pandemic. “We didn’t force it when it became a chore. We want it to be fun and enjoyable. If they were not practicing, we backed off. But like most kids, sometimes they like the idea of playing better than the discipline of practice.”
Now both kids have groups of friends that help them on their musical journeys during the school year. “It’s more enjoyable when they play with friends. Stella actually did pick up the ukulele this past year even when she took the break from violin. But those were lessons from a friend that could come offer one on one in person lessons.” The social aspect adds a lot to music, and music, it seems, adds a social aspect to their lives. It’s a bit of a virtuous circle.
The Peters’ kids have other interests – soccer and swimming are important activities. So, when asked what motivates them to sit down and practice, Emily offered, “When they love and know the music they are playing, it’s a huge help. Stella wanted to learn the song ‘Hallelujah,’ and I didn’t have to encourage her to practice at all while she was on that. And Beck has been learning the Star Wars theme music, and it allows him to improv a bit because he knows the song. That is fun and provides self-motivation. But as a new back to work mom, it gets a little frustrating when they count on me to remind them to practice. I have so much stuff to keep track of. I love that the app encourages them to schedule practice time and then pushes a reminder notification that it’s time to practice. It takes one thing off my plate, and they can’t claim ‘But you didn’t remind me,’ anymore!”
Emily looks forward to the app helping her musicians stay organized and engaged in practice. Every lesson is not Star Wars or Hallelujah – sometimes they just need to sit down and put in a few minutes. “I know they love music and it will continue to play an important role for all of us… but anything that helps them stay organized, and keep it fun, simple, and engaging is a tool worth adding to our arsenal, for sure.”
