Baran Ehsaei

Program & Operations Intern

How has music education impacted you?

I was introduced to music at a very young age when I was in my mother’s belly. She used to play guitar when she was pregnant with me, and there was always music playing in our house when I was a child. So when my parents put me in an Orff class at 4 years old, I was completely mesmerized. I knew that I was going to be a pianist, and I’ve been playing an instrument ever since. My relationship with music has been more like a friendship. Growing up in Iran, I remember coming home from school – a place where some teachers put this idea in our head that music is evil and is not supposed to be listened to or played – and I would play my piano and decompress from my day. When I was stressed about a matter, only playing my instrument helped me calm down a little. It’s still like that. 

When I touch my instrument, I can feel the threads of energy and love being woven from my heart and my fingers into the claviers of the piano, into the strings, and the inside of that magic box. I am always grateful that my parents were able to put me in a private music institute, where I continued to study music until I was 15. If they hadn’t done that, my school – like a lot of other public schools in Iran – wouldn’t have given me the magic of music, and I don’t know what I would have become. I would probably be very lost right now. Instead, I am working in music education and pursuing a music degree. So thank you, Mom and Dad. 

I think every child has to be introduced to an instrument and feel the vibrations of sound at least one time. I know for sure that they can’t forget experiencing that feeling. They either fall in love with it or know it’s not their thing. But it’s better to try instead of wonder, right?

Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?

I heard about ETM-LA from a staff member at my school, CalArts. When I looked at the website, I knew for sure that I wanted to apply to all the internship positions available at ETM-LA just to be close to the team and work on the mission in some capacity. Of course, being a music teacher was always my dream, but instead I got a better chance. I get to see every day how things work behind the scenes of an organization with such an important mission, to work so beautifully together and be successful every year. 

I’m so grateful for this chance. Every day I work here I feel my life changing. Every day on my way back home, I feel my ideas about the future forming stronger and more clearly. Working at ETM-LA with such an amazing team, full of inspiring, smart, supportive, and kind individuals, who are mostly teaching musicians – what’s a better learning opportunity than that for an immigrant music college student? I’d say it’s a gem.

What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

I’m hoping to gain experience with planning and organizing events and programs that are music-related, education-related, or anything of that sort. I’m already learning so much about non-profit organizations on an executive level, which is amazing for me as a young woman who wants to start a non-profit organization in the future. But mostly, teamwork and the culture of ETM-LA are what blew my mind the most. It’s truly inspiring to witness these dedicated individuals pouring their hearts into their work in the office. Making phone calls, sending emails, and setting up meetings all day with such determination and care really shows me that incredible accomplishments are possible when you have the support of the right people.

Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?

I believe in a fair world where every kid and every adult can get a chance to experience singing or playing an instrument at least once in their lifetime. Experiencing music on a deep level, not just playing it, can truly change someone’s life, especially during these challenging times when we all need something meaningful to hold on to. ETM-LA’s mission is my mission because I know deep down that the vibrations of sound traveling into the air and going into somebody’s fingertips, chest, or ears are magical and therapeutic. 

An empathetic music educator can change lives positively, just as an indifferent teacher can affect students’ physical and mental health poorly and even negatively affect their motivation. Empathetic teachers are aware of their effect on each student’s path, especially for young children. They know that if a habit starts forming at a primary age, it sticks and is hard to change. I know this because I was musically trained the wrong way for 10 years, and then I had the privilege to study with Miss Gita Danayi who changed my technique and changed everything I knew about music. It was hard, both on me and on her. However, once I actually started to connect with music, it wasn’t about the individual notes or even the pieces anymore. It became about embracing a spirit, a concept, a sensation, and telling a story without words. That observation transformed me and my ideas about music in ways I could never imagine. 

I want that for every child in this world. ETM-LA provides an amazing support system for all the teachers they work with. There are always peers available to help with resources, methods of teaching, materials, and more. They go through training every season, to ensure everyone’s on the same page. They monitor the teacher’s processes closely and provide all the support they need. I think that’s incredibly important and constructive. It’s truly wonderful to have a system that works together so seamlessly to ensure that the mission is not just an intention but a real achievement. I am proud to be on this team and I hope that the idea behind ETM grows and grows and travels to other countries where more children/adults can benefit from a high-quality music education.