Zander Guevara, an Advanced Piano and Advanced Choir student has been excelling in music for seven years at Rosie’s House. His accolades include performing at the 2019 Rosie’s House Ovation Gala and with the Advanced Choir at the 2019 Association of American Medical Colleges national conference attended by over 4,000 doctors and medical professionals from across the country.
What have you learned at Rosie’s House that has helped you in other areas of your life?
“I have been fortunate enough to practice piano and choir at Rosie’s House. Through my lessons, I have learned the skills of discernment and discipline. I learned the importance of communication and communal learning. In choir, each member is responsible for their own part. By having an understanding of how everyone works together, we are able to create music. We learn our own part, but also the parts that we aren’t singing. In piano, I learned how to manage my time when I practice. I learned to find the areas of my pieces that need more work. In school and in other group activities, I put these skills into practice by fully understanding the goal we are trying to achieve while also understanding my own works that I need to put in and what I need to improve.”
What have you enjoyed about Rosie’s House virtual classes?
“The things I enjoy during online classes differ from in-person classes. For my piano class, I appreciate the gained individual assistance. When we are in breakout rooms, we are given the time to practice. During these sessions, the instructor will go through and give tips on how to improve your piece. For my choir class, I enjoy the ability to listen to the pieces. When we are practicing a new song, the instructor will play it for us to hear. While the song is playing, we are able to follow along together with a screen share of the sheet music.”
What are you looking forward to most when we finally come back to in-person classes?
“When I am able to go back to in-person classes, I am most looking forward to the interactions with students and instructors. I have created new connections with my new instructors while strengthening the connections with students from previous classes. I am excited to see new and old faces. For my classes, I am excited to be able to practice live with other students and instructors.”
