Music has the power to heal, to uplift, and to provide a sense of purpose during life’s most challenging moments. For Zahra, learning the piano has been more than just a skill—it has been a sanctuary. Her journey has taken her from a childhood love of music, through years of hardship, to finding renewed hope through a free music program. We sat down with Zahra to learn more about her experience, the impact of her lessons, and how the piano has helped her find light in dark times.
“I have loved playing the piano since I was a teenager.”
Asked about how her musical journey began, Zahra recalls her early love for music. “I have loved playing the piano since I was a teenager,” she says, adding that at the time, she played the melodica. However, life took her in a different direction, and for many years, she didn’t play an instrument. That changed six years ago when her wife gifted her a piano. “I went to a class to learn notes and practice. I learned the first notes of the piano for two years until I had to leave my home and country.”
Zahra’s life was turned upside down when she was forced to leave her home. The emotional toll was overwhelming. “Given the mental problems that had come upon me, I was completely unmotivated, sad, and depressed,” she shares. Under medical supervision and working with a mental health counselor, she searched for something that could help her cope. It was her counselor who suggested returning to music and connected her with the free music program.
“I have no job or income here due to my struggles with mental health and I cannot pay for the lessons,” Zahra explains. “If the lessons are free, I can play the piano.” But the waiting period was difficult. “I was waiting for a long time for an answer and I was completely disappointed. Then one day, Ms. Ingrid called me and said that they had registered me in Mr. Mehran Bozorgpour’s class. I was very happy, and the world became clear to me.”
“My piano teacher teaches me with great motivation and enthusiasm.”
Learning the piano again was not without its challenges. Zahra struggled with concentration, and at first, she didn’t have an instrument at home to practice. But her teacher, Mr. Bozorgpour, went above and beyond to support her. “My piano teacher teaches me with great motivation and enthusiasm,” she says. “The first lessons were difficult because I had trouble concentrating and because I didn’t have an instrument at home and couldn’t practice my lessons.”
Recognizing her struggle, her teacher provided her with a keyboard so she could practice at home. “It was very exciting. I had an instrument at home and could practice. It was a miracle and helped me study better, and my passion for playing and learning increased.”
Music as a Sanctuary
Despite the ups and downs of her mental health journey, Zahra has found an escape in music. “Sometimes I get confused, and sometimes the world is dark for me. I feel nauseous and have a lot of stress and insomnia,” she shares. But in those moments, the piano becomes her refuge. “Only playing the piano helps me to get rid of all these mental pains and enter the world of music and relax. When I start playing, I feel light and relaxed.”
One of the most rewarding moments of her journey so far was being invited to perform in front of an audience. “I am very happy that this opportunity was provided to me, especially when Ms. Ingrid emailed me that I could register for the performance. Performing in the hall was the most enjoyable journey I have ever had with music. A beautiful and memorable experience.”
Advice for Others
For anyone hesitant about learning an instrument, Zahra’s advice is simple yet profound: “Just playing an instrument can bring you peace. Do not worry about the difficulties of learning—start, and focus all your thoughts on the instrument. After a while, your desire to learn and play will increase, and your mental pain will be relieved.”
Despite still not having a digital piano, which affects her ability to practice, Zahra remains determined. “I try to play well,” she says, driven by her love for music and the support she has received.
Zahra’s story is a testament to the healing power of music, the importance of community support, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the generosity of the program and the dedication of her teacher, she has found not only a way to express herself but also a path toward hope and healing.