MusAid - Developing Music Around the World

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If you have any comments on the Musaid projects please email them to contact@musaid.org and we will post them on this page.

"On the back wall of Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen Center for the Arts are written the words, "dedicated to the promotion of world friendship through the universal language of the arts." Placed there in 1947 when the first international students came to Interlochen after World War II, that motto symbolizes the importance of the arts as an expression of all cultures, at Interlochen and around the world.

More than 20% of the more than 3000 students who study annually at Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy come from another country, and while those students are able to freely pursue their individual artistic and creative desires here, we recognize that for many others in the world the ability to express oneself through the arts is restricted economically and politically.

Interlochen student Kevin Schaffter has created MusAid as a project to help others find their voices with the instruments, supplies and music they need. His leadership is typical of Interlochen students, who freely share their talents as artists and citizens so that the arts can truly be a universal language. Kevin's work will let us hear their musical voices around the world. We commend Kevin for his work. Fortunately, one person can make a difference, and we hope others will lend their spirit and support to Kevin and this cause.

Jeffrey Kimpton, President, Interlochen Center for the Arts Michigan, USA

"In this world of materialistic ideals it is too often forgotten that the greatest gifts of enrichment come from within each individual. Unfortunately concepts of education too willingly ignore the benefits gained by stimulating and developing the creative, artistic and imaginative disposition of all human beings young and old. For fear of seeming like a cliche, were the same efforts given to music as is given to sports, the world would surely be in a more harmonious state. Perhaps no time in history have we so desperately needed music to awaken the goodness of our hearts and souls.

It is indeed fitting that the above ideals are being fostered by a young teenager, Kevin Schaffter, who through the organization he began called "MusAid" will enrich young lives throughout the world. It is my deepest hope that the merits of the objectives of MusAid will receive broadest recognition and support."

Gary Karr, double bass virtuoso, Canada
Website: www.garykarr.com

"For developing countries like India it is extremely important to have access to musical resources that relate to western music forms from competent music instruction to access to adequate musical instruments, specifically since India already has an engagement with classical music for more than 100 years, and with jazz music for at least 80 years, rock music for probably 40 years. This is not an either-or phenomenon: western music forms versus eastern music forms, but the renewal of western music forms within India is healthy for the overall music scene within India.

Currently India seems to be on an upwardly mobile economic growth pattern, but unfortunately while the pocketbooks of a few elite is growing, culture is somewhat taking a backseat even if it seems to have more activity, because people are unwilling to take the time to seriously engage art and engage culture, and Indian culture contains a whole lot more than its films: which is a tragedy because India contains many nations, many cultures, many extremely developed art forms, and many music forms both traditional as well as jazz, rock and classical. For example, Kolkata has a symphony orchestra which tries to perform regularly, but it would be nice if they had access to decent instruments and occasional music instruction which would allow them a deeper relationship with the music.

The soul of a nation lies in its many cultures, and Kevin's project can help renew parts of this soul. This is a very noble project, and I am happy Kevin is doing it, and this is true service to humanity connected to Kevin's own deep passion of music making."

Madhav Chari, Jazz pianist, India