Growth Through Giving
By
I have a new student who just started about two weeks ago. She is a beautiful musician who has a very passionate desire to learn to play the Kora. She contacted me through another student.
One of the things I always attempt to do when I get a new student is to try and learn something of them. I don’t believe that you can effectively teach anyone anything unless you first know them. Each of us has ways of consuming information that is unique to our own constitutions. I am always attempting to find the access points of my students understanding.
Well… this young woman not only wanted to learn the Kora but she also wanted to purchase one. I maintain an inventory of several Koras which I usually use to instruct with. Since the Kora is traditionally played by men, it is built in a way that can challenge upper body strength if you attempt to do any maintenance on it (tuning, repair, etc.).
I prepared one of the better Koras for my new student. Within the week she was calling me concerning the difficulties in maintaining the instrument. I sympathized with her and searched my mind for a solution. I took measure of her passion for, not only the Kora, but for music in general; I reflected on similar struggles which I had when I first started learning the Kora and finally I tried to place myself in her shoes to attempt to know what solution would be best for her.
It hit me. The idea of what I should do. It was not a comforting idea, but it seemed to be the only solution that came to me naturally. I have three Koras that I alternate between for performances. These three instruments are, somewhat, appendages of my person. I have never considered parting with any of them. I took a look at the one I don’t play as often. It is has a small but strong calabash; the tuning rings are thin and easier to manipulate and the bridge is the perfect size for her hands. It was literally calling her name!
Ok, I have to admit this in order for you to know the truth. There was an immediate, reflexive selfish response on my part when the idea first made itself known to me. How could I part with this one, it has been by my side for so many years? It has a majestic feel and tone about it.
I took a little time to escort the theoretical “id” out of my presence and place it in its’ cradle where, hopefully, it will remain. I pondered on what was best for the student and not what was best for my burgeoning ego. I had to release this Kora, it was the only thing to do, and it was the right thing to do. I began to relax once I realized what was necessary, it already belonged to her; it had been waiting on her.
I had finally done it, the Kora had become a gift to give and not a possession to hoard.
After resolving this dilemma, I had to prepare for a visit from one of my mentors, Alhaji Papa Susso. Papa is from The Gambia, West Africa and was born into the griot tradition. He and I try spend a few weeks out of each year together.
Anyway, Papa was coming to stay in my home from January 13th to January 19th of 2007. I’m always excited about Papa’s visits because it gives me an opportunity to attempt to mimic the hospitality that he and his family give me whenever I stay in his compound in The Gambia. There are a number of things I enjoy doing to prepare for his visits.
On the 13th I went to Los Angeles International Airport to pick Papa up. When we saw one another it was like two old friends re-uniting. He came out of baggage claim loaded down with stuff. When I went to lift some of his burden he stopped walking and pushed forward the largest bundle, which was held in his arms. “This is for you,” he shouted. I took the bundle from him and immediately recognized that beneath the strangely wrapped collage of plastic bags and masking tape was “a Kora.” “My son and I made this for you on my last trip back home The Gambia.” I froze for a moment with the widest grin on my face anyone has probably ever been able to manage. After laughing together from some time we finally managed to make it to the car and head off towards my home.
As soon as I got home I unwrapped the ungainly packaging and was revealed a beautiful new Kora made by Papa’s own hands. What a wonderful gift!
My student showed up a few hours later to take her first lesson with Papa. When she arrived, I took the Kora I had originally given her and handed her the one I spoke of earlier. Her eyes grew wide and a smile wider than the one I had performed earlier in the day appeared on her face. It was all the reward I needed.
I’ve been thinking about this day ever since it happened, actually just three days ago. Once I got out of my own way and allowed the natural order of things to occur, as they should, the pieces to the puzzle fell into place. I honestly believe that my realizing the importance of giving or releasing was the most important aspect of this incident. Don’t get me wrong, the Kora made for me by Papa will always be an amazing gift; not only because of it is a beautiful work of art but also because of the fortuitous moment it entered my life.
I love my work! Here is another reason why I do what I do.
“Dooni dooni kononi bè nyaga da.”
