There are fundamental questions that frequently arise in discussions among those of us interested in music and its development. One of these is the basic question of what sound is. That is, what among the sounds we hear around us can be transformed into music within a specific context. Surely we have all seen music produced with electronic means (computers, programs, multi-channel sound, etc.) or have seen and heard composers producing musical works using objects or other sounds from our daily lives. I will never forget a video of John Cage using a bathtub as part of one of his musical compositions.
Equally fundamental is the question of what music means to people who face significant challenges but refuse to give up. Instead, they choose to experience music in the way they can, because music is simply so generous that everyone can find a way to experience it. I recently read an article in the newspaper Makedonia that presented a program developed by the esteemed State Conservatory of Thessaloniki as part of the project “Rhythm – Our Common Language.” As a supervised body of the Ministry of Culture, the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki decided to utilize its access to Recovery Fund resources for an exceptionally good cause: a program involving deaf citizens in music. Thus, these ten trainees began learning percussion instruments for seven months, doing so in a special room with a wooden floor to have a physical connection with rhythm and music. What does this mean? It means that physicality is a key characteristic of how people with complete or partial deafness perceive rhythm and music in general. However, this will not prevent them from experiencing music in the most complete way, as after these 7 months, the trainees will have a concert and will perform Mozart, Beethoven, Purcell, and others. And they will do so in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra of the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki.
This is undoubtedly a great initiative where our fellow trainees will have the opportunity to showcase all they have achieved in these seven months. One cannot help but admire their enthusiasm, their effort, and the undoubtedly excellent outcome. Sincere congratulations are due to George Ioulios Papadopoulos, the director of the State Conservatory, as well as to all who taught, worked, and will collaborate in the final concerts with our fellow citizens.
And ultimately, what are sound and music? For some, it is more rhythm than melody. Yet, it remains music and sound, and ultimately magic for anyone who can enjoy it in whatever way possible.
