A Master Pianist in the Making

Friday and Saturday are  Joshua’s favourite days of the week, when , for two hours,  he and the other children at the SOS Children’s Village in Buru Buru,  Kenya come together to make music.

Since the opening of the music school in 2015, children at the SOS Village have been introduced to piano, guitar, tambourine, kick drum, tom drums and wood percussions. For many, the experience has allowed them to tap into capabilities and interests that, until now, had been left undiscovered.

36 other students attend the music school with Joshua, ranging from six years old all the way to eighteen.  Through instruction, they are taught how to play each instrument, but are also given the opportunity to develop invaluable life skills.  “[Music] is a channel of expression - children voice their feelings, plight and what affects them through music” explains  Aluda Euniver, a music instructor who has been teaching the children for the last 10 months.

Aluda Euniver, the music teacher at SOS Children’s Villages in Buru Buru, Kenya shows a young student how to play the guitar.

Through the music classes, 14-year-old Joshua has discovered the importance of dialogue, in music as in life; listening to others in order to produce a harmonious sound.  He has also learned the benefits of teamwork; how to co-exist and play in chorus with his bandmates.

Joshua has enjoyed being able to try out all of the different instruments, and has joined the music club, playing piano, his favourite. “My interest has been in the piano because it also makes sounds produced by other instruments such as the drums” he explains.  Joshua has come a long way in just under a year, with no sign of slowing down. “These days I am able to harmonize the tempo of a song with the notes on the piano. I am also able to play drums and the bass guitar as well. My desire however, is to become a master pianist so I need to keep practicing. I will also coach and mentor other youths who will be interested in music as a way of giving back to the community.  I feel good when I see people enjoying music.”

Looking to the future, Mr. Euniver is encouraged about what is in store for the music students.   “Moving forward, we hope to work on different pieces of music, conduct studio recordings, create visibility and confidence in the music club by ensuring that the children participate in events where their voices can be heard, [ and they can] put their talent to good use. We also hope to provide advanced training in instrument playing and vocals.”

How You Can Help

SOS Children's Villages relies on the generosity of Canadians to be able to provide loving homes to orphaned, abandoned and other vulnerable children across the world.  Please help us care for most needy children by sponsoring a child or by making a donation.  Your support truly makes a difference.