Music for Veterans Project
Where did it come from and where is it going?
What began as a simple composition exercise around the theme of Remembrance, is now a project that reaches veterans and CAF members across Canada. While Music for Veterans Project (MVP) includes a key music composition element, the project prioritizes commemoration and connection first and foremost. In many ways, I consider this to be the most important work of my career to date.
Growing up I had very few opportunities to actually think about veterans and the Canadian Armed Forces in a personal way. I find that many of my students have never met a veteran. Veterans are of all ages, come from all backgrounds, and within that already existing diversity, there are even more unique experiences and contributions that deserve to be recognized at a personal level.
MVP was inspired mostly by my own growing awareness surrounding veterans. I am fortunate to have a close person in my life who served overseas that has courageously shared with me his thoughts on service, and helped me to develop this project in a way that is meaningful and effective.
One thing I’ve witnessed is how a child’s imagination is a powerful vehicle for empathy. These students don’t need to understand veterans. All they need to do is imagine someone else and put themselves in that person’s shoes. This exercise, regardless of outcome, is valuable. The courage to compose music for a total stranger speaks volumes about a child’s capacity to listen, feel, and learn.
For the past 2 years, my students have created beautiful commemorative pieces with thoughtful titles that come from a place of kindness and deep respect. One of my students, Mia S., named her piece “The Engineer,” to pay tribute to her veteran’s trade. Another, “So They May Fly” by Kai S., was inspired by the name of a painting done by acclaimed war artist Roger Chabot. “Oak & Maple” by Marcus D., to pay respect to the national trees of Croatia & Canada; both places of significance for his veteran recipient. Alice K., whose composition “Remembering the Poppy” was presented to the daughter of a soldier killed in action in Italy, 1944. And “Miss You,” by Ellis L., which used the rhythm of his veteran’s name as the basis for his piece, and then wrote lyrics about how the Army misses him now that he has retired. There are many more examples.
The Music for Veterans Project compositions are powerful, authentic, kind, and purposeful works of art that honour total strangers. Not only are they profound examples of commemoration, but they gently forge a connection between worlds that too often don’t have an opportunity to meet. One important goal of this project is for CAF members and veterans to feel seen by future generations and I think MVP achieves that.
In 2021 the project caught the attention of the Royal Conservatory of Music when President & CEO, Dr. Peter Simon, reached out and wrote personalized letters to each of my students. It was a huge honour for my students to receive these individual letters recognizing the work they had done for a Canadian veteran.
Additionally, all of my students have received messages from their veteran music recipients, sometimes even handwritten letters through Canada Post! And a group of students have actually been able to meet their recipients in person: Ainsley & Parker, who were invited to Albert Head Base to meet members of the Skyhawks parachute team, and Nathan, who got to visit the Bay Street Armoury. This Fall 2023, my students Keira, Théo, Maya, and Ainsley will travel to perform at Parliament in Ottawa at a special event honouring Indigenous veterans. Planning a special event at one of the local war graves to honour WW2 pilots is also in the works. These types of experiences can be life changing and incredibly powerful. There are more to come…
When I started this in 2021, during the pandemic, I wasn’t sure how it would play out. Now I believe the capacity to do good in this project is without limits. I truly believe my students are changing the world with their whole hearted courage to care for and honour others in this unique way.
Screenshot from CBC National News, 2021, featuring Lola Koetke (student).
You can learn more about this project and how to get involved by visiting: Music for Veterans Project
Interested in hearing what some students have composed? Visit the Studio Videos Page
I am currently in the process of developing a teaching curriculum for Music for Veterans Project which I hope to offer in the next year or two.
January 2023
