Music Crossroads Academy Mozambique began the academic year with auditions to select new students.
Auditions are an important part of the student application process. Applicants have a chance to prove that they are ready for the courses at the academy. To enroll in the Academy, the candidate must have basic notions of the instrument in which he or she applies.
While each discipline requires that the applicants perform several songs, there are further expectations that should be fulfilled depending on the instrument. For example, in addition to a good tone, voice candidates should have a basic reading level. Guitar students are required to be able to read major and minor chord numbers, and piano students must be able to play the major diatonic scale with both hands.
In addition to performing their pieces, the candidates are also expected to answer questions prepared by the teachers. Applicants come from all walks of life, with interesting backgrounds and often compelling stories. We had a chat with Isis, an aspiring singer from Maputo. This is what she had to say:
Isis has always wanted to learn how to play an instrument but it is singing that has captured her heart. Music appeals to her because it is a natural way to express emotion. Through listening to a lot of music, she came to realize that it was a part of her and she a part of it.
Isis also believes in the therapeutic power of music. She does not elaborate, but she mentions a difficult situation that she was able to overcome with the help of music. It gave her hope and allowed her to look beyond her challenges towards something better. That experience showed her that music is indeed worth pursuing.
Having already studied music at another institution, music education is not new to Isis. However, she believes that the Academy can provide her with a different set of skills that will help her reach her musical goals. She mentions rhythmic reading and performance in particular as areas in which her studies at the Academy will help her improve.
When asked who her favorite artist is, Isis has a simple answer:
“I don’t have one. There are just too many great ones to choose from. I just appreciate good music”.
Though she won’t narrow her choice to just one musician, she does dream of one day sharing the stage with a great international artist. Like artists that she admires, Isis hopes that one day she too will create irresistible music. We wish her the best of luck in her musical career and we hope that she will join us as a new student at the Academy.
