My Musical Journey
Growing up in a Christian family where music played an integral role in the church, it was always present in my life, yet I never fully grasped it. My first formal introduction to music came in 10th grade when I started taking guitar lessons from an elder brother in our neighborhood. Initially, it was a struggle—my fingers fumbled over the intricately tuned strings, and holding them down for even a short time left me in pain. However, as time passed, I developed a strong connection with the instrument, and calluses formed on my fingertips. Learning simple chords was my starting point, and before long, I could play small tunes by ear. This experience ignited my passion for music, and I knew it would be a lifelong journey.
A reason to Pursue Music
Like any journey in life, I lost my sense of direction and simply followed the crowd. I pursued a degree that held no real interest for me, drifting aimlessly and seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures, including intoxication. I tried to be someone I wasn’t, putting on a convincing act for those around me while, deep down, I was struggling—desperate to fill the void in my heart. Then, in the midsummer of 2020, during my fifth semester, God called me out of the darkness and made me His own. After graduating, I became more involved in the church, serving the Lord in any way I could.
Over the years, I realised music was something that’s always been a way for me to express and a tool to help me find my way back or pull me back to the Lord, though I’m sure it’s the Holy spirit; yes God has used music to keep me going. I decided to serve the Lord Jesus through music and applied for a Bachelor of Music degree at Tetso college committing to take whatever I learn and share my knowledge with others and contribute to God’s mighty kingdom.
Facing Challenges and Obstacles
Like any journey, mine was not without its obstacles. The path to becoming proficient in music is filled with challenges, and for someone like me—starting with no professional training or knowledge of music theory—it was an uphill battle. There were days when I wanted to give up, feeling frustrated by my progress or lack thereof. But the beauty of music is that it doesn’t judge. It welcomes you, no matter how slow or fast your progress is. I struggled with self-doubt, especially during the early stages. I would compare myself to others who seemed to have grasped everything already or easily grasped the things being taught. But music taught me an invaluable lesson, it is not about being the best right away, but about the journey itself. Over time, I started to embrace my imperfections, realizing that every mistake was a step closer to mastering the craft.
The curriculum for the Bachelors in Music was very new to me and something I have never come across before while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. Papers like Music History, Music Theory, Church Music, Indian Music, Conducting and many more were very new to me. I personally found all the papers very productive and realised everything I have been introduced to would help me in the long run. I took up Guitar as my major and I have learned how beautiful of an instrument the classical guitar is. Before pursuing this Music degree the classical guitar did not stand out for me and classical music was just an old form of Music. But with time I have learned that CLassical Music has stood the test of time and remains highly relevant in today’s world. This course of Music has changed the perspective of Classical Music that I had for a very long time. Through the pieces we are provided with, we get to connect with the composer from a different period of time and feel how the composer felt and learn how to depict the piece how the composer intended. It creates a bridge in time through music which I personally find very beautiful.
Over the course of pursuing music, I had the privilege of attending many workshops and seminars where renowned musicians shared their ideas and thoughts on music. They didn’t just teach me how to become a better musician, they helped me figure out who I wanted to be as an artist. They provided insight into the business side of music, as well as the emotional and mental resilience needed to thrive in the industry. They taught me how to handle rejection, stay motivated, and push through difficult times. Some of them reminded me to not lose sight of God. During one of the events one resource person started off with the statement, “even if you learn nothing today, make sure to take this with you– seek the Lord, seek God“.
As I delved deeper into music, I’ve learnt that almost all the renowned composers and artists of the early ages were Christian. Music itself started developing from the church. Musical instruments and songs are mentioned as early as in Genesis in the Bible. This realization brought me a sense of reassurance, knowing that I was pursuing something so deeply connected to God and worship.
I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to meet such wonderful people whom I hold close to my heart. Very grateful to God for this opportunity to pursue music, the new friends I’ve made and the ones yet to make.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Abba!
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications.
For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org