In the harmonious world of music education, Tasheina Chianti-White stands out as an innovator, having founded MUSEC, a music camp dedicated to nurturing young talent. Her journey, steeped in melody from birth, reveals a profound connection to music that began even before she entered the world.
"I was born into music," White reflects, crediting her mother, Cynthia Canty, a church pianist and soloist, for infusing her early life with song.
This innate connection was fostered by her mother and grandmother, who encouraged White's playful musical explorations with a tape recorder and a hairbrush microphone. A pivotal moment arrived at church, where a young White, prompted by her mother, bravely belted out "One Day at a Time," earning accolades.
"By the time I finished, people were cheering and clapping. After church, people were placing folded dollar bills in my hand (this practice was customary of the older African Americans). At the time, people called it hamburger money," White recalls. "I now understand they were planting seed offerings for my gift of music."
White credits her mother as her first musical inspiration. By age five, White could hold any part her mother taught, earning her own custom-made choir robe as the sole child in an adult choir. Local singers like Georgina Whitaker, Robin Holmes-Lanier, and the captivating Ms. Callus further ignited her passion.
She honed her skills by mimicking these vocal pillars, discovering her own ability to hit high notes. The profound impact of singers like Shonta Ellis and Melissa Bennett, who could move audiences to tears and shouts, solidified her desire to wield music with similar power.
The defining moment arrived in 1995 when White performed with the Statesboro High School Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
"Standing on that stage and looking at where I could go, made me realize that I had found my place in the world."
Though she initially pursued a different path in college, music eventually called her back. At the University of Georgia, Dr. Gregory Broughton helped White discover her technical skills and integrate them with her deep musical passion. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in musical therapy in 2005.
Once again this summer, she is sharing her musical 'brainchild' with the community. MUSEC is a vibrant music camp established by White, whose lifelong dedication to music underpins the program's philosophy. Tailored for individuals aged ten through 14, this immersive program cultivates an encouraging environment where young people can freely convey their feelings and forge meaningful connections through musical expression.
MUSEC's inception was deeply personal, inspired by White's two sons, Tyler and Trenton, who were beginning to age out of youth summer activities. With the boys being too old for most camps, yet too young to work, White felt the need to provide a place for her sons, as well as other children who were in the same stage.
"It took me a couple of years to step out of my comfort zone and initiate the camp," White explains. "Last year, I took a leap of faith at the last minute, found a location, wrote a curriculum, raised funds, and put together an experience to remember."
The program's design centers on offering young people a safe and supportive environment where they can freely explore their creativity, cultivate meaningful connections, and simply enjoy making music. Over the initial four-day period, participants successfully mastered enough ukulele chords to perform three songs, choreographed a multi-part percussion piece, and collaboratively composed and presented an original song to their loved ones.
MUSEC boasts a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the social and emotional needs of today's youth, while retaining ukulele and percussion as core elements. White plans to expand to other instruments with future financial support. The community can support MUSEC's mission by sponsoring a child or donating instruments through www.musecgrows.com, helping to cultivate the next generation of passionate musicians.
White emphasizes that MUSEC offers youth a constructive alternative to screen time and a chance to develop practical skills. The camp’s success has led to its expansion, with locations in Rincon and Savannah in addition to Statesboro.
"I would share with young musicians to play for passion before perfection," White advises. "My program focuses on meeting you where you are so that we can ease you into a path of growth. I try to find the most accessible and least restrictive techniques that will help participants reach their goals."
For more information about MUSEC, please visit www.musecgrows.com, email [email protected], or call 1-855-338-9396.
