By Ibrahim S.Bangura
Over thirteen local guitarists have received free lessons on improving their skills in playing the guitar by, Enrique Torres Palma, a renowned Spanish guitarist.
The classes have been held at the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts recently.
The class had been initiated by Music Heals, a non-profitable organization established at Ballanta to promote music and music education of vulnerable people across the nation. It was aimed at improving, motivating and educating musicians, especially guitarists.
According to Palma, having been a guitarist for so many year and having had much knowledge in playing the guitar, he saw the need to share his knowledge with musicians who loved the guitar.
“I am always open minded to share my passion and knowledge with all musicians and people around the world. Children need opportunities to develop themselves and with music there are a lot of people who can find new opportunities… this class is one of the opportunities that will help enrich the participants’ skills in playing the guitar. So I am very happy about that, ” he said.
He furthered that sharing knowledge with the people who need it, would not only help the individuals but also the nation.
“This is my first time in Sierra Leone. I came to help young people of Don Bosco Fambul,” he said that.
He commended Music Heals and described the mission of the Organization as a very motivating one, but appreciated the fact that it would not be an easy task to give musical education to different people of different character.
“It is not easy to work with the music in this Country and in this reality, and even for those kids who grow up with hard difficulties and problems. However, music can be a very therapeutic weapon against the social necessities that most of the children from streets need. Yes!Music Heals give them a great opportunity to learn, to have fun, to socialize with others and to enjoy the music and live. I am so proud to see such in Sierra Leone, ” Palma commented.
According to Alvin Walker, a participants, the guitar class was a very good one for them, where they were able to learn and improve on different skills they had acquired before then. On behalf of he and his colleagues he appreciated Torres Palma for his kind gesture towards improving their skills in playing the guitar and requested thus: “We need more of this kind help, and we hope to see more.”