Lyfta storyworld: Music is my Social Tool - Brazil

Trailer to storyworld Music is my tool

The power of music

Izandra in storyworld music is my tool

Throughout the film, we hear Izandra play her violin with great passion and commitment. We learn that she was fortunate to have the opportunity to study at the prestigious music conservatory of Porto Alegra where she met her very influential teacher, Carrara Maestro who describes Izandra as "a very focused, driven and obstinate person. She will conquer the world".

"When I had the opportunity to play the violin, to feel an instrument. It felt as if I was being connected to another world."

IZANDRA

IN MUSIC IS MY TOOL

Role models

Izandra playing with a friend

Role models are key in Izandra's life, starting with her grandmother, Liodene who introduced her to the world of music and "prepared the ground for me". An artist herself, she didn't have the same opportunities as her granddaughter. Izandra describes both her grandparents as "role models of determination and grit".

Representation is of great importance to Izandra and she speaks of the challenges she has finding black composers to whom she could relate. She plays a song on her violin by a black composer (Chiquinha Gonzaga) who was also the first woman conductor to lead an orchestra in Brazil.

"I had a difficult time finding black composers in college."

IZANDRA

IN MUSIC IS MY TOOL

Making music accessible

Izandra with her students

Whilst studying at the conservatory Izandra realised she had a chance to do something special. She becomes a teacher and a role model for younger low-income music students helping them gain access to the world of classical music. In order for her students to practise properly she initiates a campaign for people to donate musical instruments to children. To better engage young people with classical music, she plays the music they know such as funk and hip-hop.

"I strongly want to be recognised as a black violinist. Who came out of the community and took the music from here to the world."

IZANDRA

IN MUSIC IS MY TOOL

Music is my social Tool - at a glance

Rich media article from Music is my Social Tool storyworld

A powerful short documentary film featuring Izandra
3 interactive 360° spaces including Porto Alegre street, Watch Izandra teach, Watch Izandra perform

Rich media articles covering:
- Instrument families
Lesson and assembly plans included in this storyworld:
- Lyfta Time: Izandra in Brazil
- Assembly: Building opportunities
- Lesson:Representation matters
- Lesson: The voice of love is music

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