FlorekMusic

Why do we do what we do?

(It’s not  for money, fame or fortune)

By Michael Florek  of Florek’s Violin & Music Shop.

Music or an art needs to be in every child’s education, and it can sometimes be more of a distant wish rather than reality. I try to make that wish a reality for as many children as I can.  I know that music helps our kids and communities in real and substantial ways. The intrinsic value of music for each individual is widely recognized in many cultures, and every human culture uses music to carry forward its ideas and ideals. Music is a part of our society. And the value of music in shaping individual abilities and character are attested.     

                 Success in society, of course, depends on success in school. Any music teacher or parent of a music student can attest about effectiveness of music study in helping children become better students. Skills learned through the discipline of music, stories commonly point out, transfer to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. Music education makes kids smarter. Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits that lead to effective study and work habits.       

Bill Clinton (Former President) said “Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and, by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective."

I am the former owner of a music store and a musician. I am a violinist. Music has been in my life since I was born. My mother and father were both professional musicians.  I started on the piano at age three and the violin at the age of five. You could say I’ve been a musician all my life. I LOVE music! Nothing in this world can make you cry, make you laugh, make you sad, make you happy, and make you feel good, all at the same time. I would sometimes just go home listen to some beautiful music and let the tears flow. Music is good!!!!!!

I teach violin. I try very hard to make it affordable for everyone. I, at times, repair instruments to donate to various schools and organizations because I want more people to love music so that more children can learn music and develop the love for it like I do. I do this because I love music. I do this because when I play the music loves me back. I do this to see the happiness in the little girl that gave me the big hug for teaching her to play “  Twinkle  Twinkle  Little Star ”. I do this to see the smiles on the parents when they give the child the gift of music.  But most of all I do it for my soul. In my bathroom in a frame I have a famous quote by  Plato it reads…. “Music is Love in Search of a Word”. I don’t think I need to say anymore.

Sincerely,

Michael Florek