Music is for sharing. There has to be more to creating music than just endless hours of lonely practice which builds up to the stress of sitting for an examination facing an audience of one.

Which is why, from the early beginnings in my living room back in Mumbai to an impressive auditorium at the Maquinez Palace here in Panaji, my students have enjoyed the opportunity to perform for an audience that extends beyond their immediate families.

The Music Magic program is more than a mere evening of entertainment. It's designed to be part of a student's musical education.

Kids gain the experience of overcoming nervousness and stage fright to perform solo under a spotlight. There may be quite a few smudges and flubs - but then, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. The Music Magic program is not about performing excellence - but about pointing to the path that eventually leads a student closer to that goal.

This year the Music Magic program has evolved a step further in helping children discover themselves musically. I have recorded almost every one of them playing the very same pieces they performed live. But the second time around they performed in a studio environment.

Unlike a live performance where applause and audience reactions help cover a multitude of 'musical sins', a recording is is not so indulgent. A mistake is amplified to the point where I have had many children review what they've done and request to have another go at it. Which is the objective behind the exercise. To develop a sense of self and be one's own demanding critic.

I hope you will spend some time listening to my students' efforts on the pages that follow. And applaud them one more time.

Jeanne Coello
BA, LTCL, DipABRSM

© 2011, Jeanne Coello, Goa, India