Sparking creativity with song
Musicians start music lessons in Rankin Inlet
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015
RANKIN INLET
The first in a series of music lessons got underway in Rankin Inlet this past week.
Rankin Inlet musician Noah Tiktak takes part in the first violin lesson at the Kivalliq Counselling and Support Services office in Rankin this past week. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak |
The program, being delivered through the Kivalliq Counselling and Support Services office, began with violin instruction and will rotate around between violin, guitar, harmonica, singing and songwriting lessons.
Executive director Noel Kaludjak said the program began on a positive note with a group of eager young students taking part.
He said much of the instruction will be provided by local musician Leo Subgut.
"Noah Tiktak is also going to be helping out, and we're open to any musicians in town who are willing to volunteer to help instruct on any of the various instruments," said Kaludjak.
"We're looking at the lessons as a way of providing another positive activity for local youths that can be a lot of fun and very rewarding.
"We're waiting to hear from (executive director) George Dunkerley at the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre to see if we may be able to provide some small amount to the instructors.
"If George has no available funds we're hoping those willing to teach the youths would do so on a volunteer basis, but we'll see."
Kaludjak and Tiktak had been kicking around the idea of starting music lessons for quite awhile.
Kaludjak said with space available at the building, they decided to take advantage of the opportunity to start teaching youths - and anyone else who wants to learn - how to get started in music through playing, singing or songwriting.
He said the group is going to take it slow at first, hold a few lessons, including how to tune an instrument properly, gauge the response and go from there.
"With youth, learning to play a musical instrument can really help with their self-esteem as well as, you know, the fun of playing music.
"I'm sure some kids will realize they can do this, once they get started, and discover talent they might not have known they had.
"There's lots of young kids who are very musically talented out there, but just haven't been exposed to it properly.
"It's pretty special to become a talented musician and learn how to play different instruments, and it would be great if we could spark that eagerness to learn in just one kid."
