More Than Just Beats: Importance of Music in GZAAT

Article by Natali Devidze

Edited by  Ninia Kadagidze

Source:GZAAT Gazette

For GZAAT students and teachers, music is a part of daily life and something that brings the people of the school together. Maya Khadouri, a Russian teacher, said that the first article written about the school began with the words: "Entering the school building and suddenly hearing classical music—that's how a day at Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi starts." Music has a key role at the American Academy.

Maya Khadourisaid music brings her private moments back, "such as falling in love and the memories songs hold: melodies, concerts, performances, etc. I actually wrote songs myself in some periods of my life, rhythms, and songs, which I sang myself." She says  she doesn't have a specific genre that is her favorite: "I listen to all genres and it depends on my mood and the situation: maybe disco, jazz, hard rock, instrumental, etc."

Tasia Kurdghelia, a senior at GZAAT says: "I listen to music almost every day in various situations. Music can help pass the time during an otherwise boring bus ride, and this is probably when I listen to music the most. I also enjoy listening to music while reading. When I'm in a 'reading slump,' I find it hard to sit down and really concentrate on a book, however, music really helps me get in the mood and enjoy whatever I'm reading. Music is also really important for me when I'm having a hard time emotionally: dealing with certain issues can make a person feel quite isolated and as though no one understands what they're going through. Even if I'm listening to 'depressing' songs, it still makes me feel a certain solidarity, which definitely helps." She mostly listens to rock music and her favorite artists are The Beatles and Radiohead. "I've listened to their music for years since my family also listens to them quite a bit. I find that as time goes on, my perspective on the music of my favorite artists changes and evolves with me," Tasia says.

Another Senior at GZAAT, Nina Chiladze said she listens to music while doing other activities – studying, doing chores, or simply walking. She says: "I see music as something that helps me concentrate, even if the sounds may not be monotonous. Music helps me relax after a day of stressful tasks, or simply take a break from academic activities. I listen to various genres of music, but my favorites are pop and rap. Aside from enjoying the beats and melody, I see those types of songs as a tool that stimulates my brain without being too straining. The artist that I see as inspiring is Kanye West, as lots of his songs speak about overcoming adversity and exploring self-belief."

The junior Class President Sandro Kakabadze commented on how music is very important in his life: "Music plays many different roles in my life. Sometimes it's to distract me from ongoing events, other times to shield me from stress, or just to get in a good mood, but the most important thing in it for me, is that music often echoes my emotions. There is also this weird sense of freedom that comes with music, and the idea that you're listening to a very superhuman art form." His favourite genre is 70's era rock and his favorite artist is David Bowie. Sandro proudly remarks that he is in the top 0.05% of David Bowie fans, according to his Spotify Wrapped.

Senior Anastasia Mrelashvili says  music motivates and helps her study better, while also energizing her and keeping her from feeling tired during long study sessions. "It makes the hardest assignments and tests more manageable. Right music helps me to stay focused and productive," she comments. 

While Anastasia's perspective is shared by many students, Sofo Tatarashvili, another senior, says she only listens to music while  "doing math homework, or other subjects that require calculation. When I have something to read and analyze I can't concentrate when the music is on."

 Music is not a personal experience only; it also holds the key role of reflecting the school culture. The songs chosen for assemblies, the start of each school day, and especially on Fridays, contribute to the atmosphere that is created in the hallways of GZAAT. The choice of songs for the occasions reflects a lot about the school's values.

According to Maya Khadouri, music helps create an environment that differentiates GZAAT from other schools. 

Nini Cherkezishvili writes on the topic: "I think the music at GZAAT reflects both the school's culture and our generation's taste. The classical music in the mornings creates a calm, focused mood. However, the songs during assemblies are different, they are chosen by school students, so they always feel more connected to what we listen to as students. The music in GZAAT balances both worlds."

The atmosphere at GZAAT differs on Friday mornings and assemblies from regular school days. As students get ready for the weekend, their mood lightens with a more relaxed vibe. The Friday songs are chosen by students and come from every genre; they reflect the diversity of the tastes within GZAAT.

Giorgi Jakobia, a senior, thinks while it might not be as noticeable during assemblies, the music on Fridays creates a really good atmosphere, especially during breaks, when everyone feels more relaxed and energized. Mia Katsman holds the same viewpoint: "Music brings people together at school by setting a positive tone, and Fridays are the best example of that. I love the music played on Fridays, especially when Michael Jackson's songs come on—that's always my favorite part. It really lifts my spirit when I walk through the school halls."

However Tasia Kurdghelia thinks more effort should be put into the playlist for Friday mornings because it's often the same songs chosen by the same people. “I believe it could be quite fun to choose songs based on what's going on in the world and events that are relevant to the school. For example, a few days ago, my friends and I put on some songs related to Georgia's situation, such as the EU anthem, the Georgian anthem, and a few iconic Georgian songs. I think this was quite a fun way to respond to the current situation and I got quite a bit of positive feedback from both students and teachers." 

Tasia also thinks it is time to retire the classical music playlist during other days of the week since turning on songs that the students enjoy would be a much better way to start the day.

Sandro Kakabadze conveys a similar opinion and remarks that most of the Friday songs are great, but they're just too repetitive: "Don't get me wrong, I love dancing to the YMCA by the Village People, but not every Friday morning. I think just expanding the playlist and shuffling the music might be a good idea." 

This is important for Sandro since, as he believes, “music is something all friend-groups enjoy together. I think it really has the potential to unite us and make us feel like one community.” Anastasia Mrelashvili says: "music creates an experience which everyone can enjoy. It helps us to connect and foster a sense of community. It lifts everyone's mood and makes more special. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves."