“Music Is About Connection, Not Perfection”
Reflections from PMHU’s Kenya Residency
From July 2–10, 2025, Project: Music Heals Us embarked on a transformative journey to Kenya — one that reminded us why music, at its core, is about human connection. Founder and Artistic Director Molly Carr, Operations Director Jessica Boykin, and our Arts Leadership Ensemble, The Dolphins Quartet, traveled to Nairobi to lead an intensive residency with students from the Ghetto Classics community music school, a vibrant program serving youth in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Throughout the week, students participated in one-on-one lessons, chamber music coachings, orchestra rehearsals, and spontaneous jam sessions — all leading up to a celebratory final concert at Tribe Hotel. But beyond the rehearsals and performances, what emerged was something deeper: trust, joy, and creative risk-taking.
“It was a deeply refreshing and inspiring experience,” shared Collins, a Ghetto Classics violinist who participated in the residency.
“Being surrounded by passionate musicians in the peaceful setting of St. Andrew’s Turi helped me reconnect with my love for music and grow in a supportive community.”
Collins wasn’t alone in feeling this shift. PMHU artists and students alike were surprised by how quickly bonds formed.
“Everyone was open, warm, and willing to share—not just their music, but their stories too. The natural environment also brought unexpected clarity and calm.”
This emotional clarity helped students like Collins step beyond their comfort zones.
“Sharing personal musical ideas in group settings was a challenge,” he admitted. “But it pushed me to trust myself more and listen deeply to others.”
At PMHU, we believe in building those very moments. Through our Novel Voices program, students in communities like Nairobi and Palestine receive access to virtual lessons, mentorship, and performance opportunities from world-class musicians — and occasionally, as in Kenya this July, the joy of in-person collaboration.
As we reflect on this powerful experience, we carry with us the voices and talents of every young musician who welcomed us so generously into their world.
Growing Through Challenge
The residency wasn’t without its challenges. For some students, especially those newer to ensemble work. The idea of putting one’s musical ideas forward felt daunting. This environment of support, trust, and experimentation is core to PMHU’s approach. Our teaching artists — including members of The Dolphins Quartet — made space for risk-taking and vulnerability, always emphasizing the importance of listening, collaboration, and presence over perfection.
Our Final Concert
The residency culminated in a celebratory public concert at Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, where students, teachers, and new friends gathered to share what they had created. Emotions ran high — nervousness, pride, joy — but the performance was nothing short of magic. The most unforgettable moment? The moment of the concert where something intangible clicked:
“One evening performance stands out — when everything just flowed and we were fully present,” Collins recalled.
“It reminded me that music is about connection, not perfection.”
After the concert, the PMHU and Ghetto Classics communities celebrated with a group outing to go bowling — a moment of pure, joyful camaraderie before the hard goodbyes.
As the students boarded their bus back to Nairobi, hugs, tears, and waves echoed the emotional weight of what had been built. The final moments were not just farewells — they were acknowledgments of a shared experience that transcended language, geography, and circumstance.
Why This Work Matters
The Novel Voices program is PMHU’s answer to a global need for creative access. While most of our partnerships take place virtually — offering free lessons, workshops, and mentorship — in-person residencies like this one serve as immersive milestones. They are about showing up, building community, and creating a shared vision of what’s possible.
This work is also a testament to the idea that music can build bridges where few others can. It can create safe spaces for growth, healing, and connection — and in doing so, help young people find their voices and their power.
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