Seeing Sound
https://www.tiktok.com/@debrahillsings
Can music soothe the savage beast? I think so, and many music therapists would agree!
Learn more by reading, Seeing Sound, in celebration of World Music Therapy Week.
Seeing Sound
This week from April 10- 15, is World Music Therapy Week. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is provided by a credentialed professional, working in a therapeutic environment to address and/or enhance:
- “Promote Wellness
- Manage Stress
- Alleviate Pain
- Express Feelings
- Enhance Memory
- Improve Communication
- Promote Physical Rehabilitation”
Over the past two years, I have learned to play the piano under the direction of my teacher, Sam Lupica. I have discovered another amazing benefit I have gained as a blind person learning to play the piano. When I listen to the sound of the musical notes, along with visualizing my fingers moving along the white and black keys, I actually feel like I can see sounds!
The more I visualize where my fingers should go, I can almost imagine the piano like a sort of road I am traveling on, where each key represents a rest stop. When I move from key C down to D, E, F, G, A, and B, I feel like my entire body is moving along with my fingers. And each individual sound along the way makes each key a unique landing place. It is a type of echolocation. You know, that thing bats do when they travel through the air. Blind in the dark, and yet they are able to skillfully maneuver around obstacles by sending out sound and receiving the reflected waves from the environment around them. I enjoy visualizing myself in a spacial world of music, where my fingers can take me towards a zillion combinations of musical sounds! I wonder if other blind pianists have had similar experiences. Perhaps this is something that could be further researched in the field of music therapy!
Sam Lupica is a prolific composer, and I believe he fully captures emotions and creates clear images through his compositions.
Here is what Sam had to say about one of the songs from a CD he created, A Time To Embrace:
“A lot of my work is inspired by places I have visited. This piece, entitled Tybee Island, goes back to the mid-1990s and my first trip to Savannah, Georgia. The impressionistic qualities of the piece are intended to conjure images of a bright, sandy beach and gentle breezes blowing in from the ocean. That is precisely my recollection of this beautiful place.”
A Time to Embrace by Sam Lupica
Contact Us
Debra and her piano teacher Sam enjoy going out into the community to share the story of how she learned to play the piano. They encourage anyone to continue their passions when facing certain imitations. Do not let it stop you from pursuing your goals.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Salvatore Lupica – Teaching Statement
My teaching techniques are strongly heuristic. Their objective is to give the student a deep understanding of key principles of theory, composition, and technique, and a familiarity with repertory. With this understanding, the student can continue to learn and explore on his or her own, in areas that may be of particular interest to him or her. I view my role as one of facilitator in a process of discovery, understanding, and creation.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
