TEDx Review: Benjamin Zander

Benjamin Zander is a brilliant gentleman who inspires people to discover their love for classical music. He is a master interpreter of Mahler and Beethoven, and is well known for his undying energy. In his talk for TEDX, The Transformative Power of Classical Music, he allows the audience to connect emotionally through relating classical music to loss, love, home, and tension.  His example at the thirteen minute mark where he tells the audience to think about loosing a loved one while he played a Chopin Nocturne. Zander told the story of a young person who attended his talk, and wept for a lost brother for the first time. It was then that Zander said he believed that classical music is for everyone, and can transform you to a different world, make you feel deep emotions, etc.  His most powerful statement, to me, was, "I realized my job is to awaken possibility, if their eyes are shining, you know you're doing it." I think that this talk connects well to us music educators, for the job that we take on isn't about the notes, the rhythms, and whether or not they are getting it right. It is about inspiring, driving, and providing a nurturing environment for musical growth and exploration.