Music instructor and vocal coach Adesuwa O. doesn’t remember a time when she was not surrounded by music. Singing has always been a part of her world and she now shares her love of music with her students.
“I’m from Georgia and both of my families are church families,” Adesuwa said. “I have been in choir for as long as I can remember. Music has always been intersected with my community. It’s always been a part of my identity.”
Adesuwa teaches early childhood music at CSMA. Classes include Little Musicians and Music and Movement .
Exploration is key to love of music
Adesuwa has been teaching for two decades. What she hopes her students learn from her is a foundation of understanding music. When she works with students, she wants them to know just how much they are capable of as budding musicians.
“What I really push is for my students to explore,” she said. “If they get to explore and choose an instrument they’re excited about, they’re more likely to stick with it. That exploration and that joy is what I try to instill.”
While she comes from a musical family, she also had access to music education as a child. She played the clarinet from fifth grade through high school. She would later join the esteemed marching band at Clark Atlanta University as a member of their drumline and percussion ensemble. She later transferred to school in New York, where she pursued vocal studies.
Music education provides sense of purpose
The benefit of music education is something she has experienced personally and one she believes all should have access to.
“The value of music education foundationally is that it builds your confidence,” she said. “You start something and reach a marker and then can continue to grow. It helps build community and it gives students a sense of purpose.”
Her brother was a gifted singer and went to college on a full vocal scholarship. She shares this story to let parents know that you can move forward in music with intense study. This is just the beginning.
Group classes build connection
CSMA has added new Music and Movement classes for babies and toddlers to provide a space for families to learn and do music collectively. Adesuwa will be teaching those classes and is excited to see it all come together. With songs, stories and play, these multi-generational classes support musical expression and milestones in a fun, creative setting.
“It’s a fun way for families to connect,” she said. “And the early childhood music program is one that will grow with students through all of their ages. I’m excited to see the program blossom.”
Parents often want to know how early music education can benefit their children. Adesuwa sees it firsthand and encourages them to stick with it to see their progression.
“By starting (music education) this early, it does set you up foundationally to not only be a successful musician but also a successful person in whatever path you choose,” she said.
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
