I would create a movement towards every child getting the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities. Music is my forte so I would start there and encourage involvement in other activities such as sports, dance, art, and much more.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nneka Francis.
Nneka Francis is a Music teacher who, based on her experiences, has become passionate about guiding young persons on what it truly means to express authenticity through art. She understands that the way to build courage and express your true self.
In pursuing a career, Nneka opened a private music school, Nneka’s School of Music to allow students to obtain rhythmic skills, learn to read, and play music to help make a positive impact in society.
She continuously instills these values into her students, allowing them to truly express themselves uniquely. Having witnessed so much on her journey, Nneka wants to share her experience to help others find their path and be courageous and passionate about their purpose.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
Thank you for having me on this feature. What led me to this career path was knowing that music education has its way of changing the trajectory of a child’s life. My musical career path began when I was given a little red piano in my early days. During that time, expressing my love for music influenced my parents to decide to enroll me in music lessons. I would describe my childhood days as mostly happy with family and friends, but I can also say some areas were very challenging. Music gave me a lot of inspiration to reach many goals. Over the years, I’ve attended and participated in many recitals. In my adulthood, I’ve been motivated to allow my son and others to learn music, hoping it can also make a positive impact in their lives.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting?
I believed it was a Christmas Recital which was held at the church. After playing the church piano for many years, I assumed that a piano was there. Upon setting up for the show, I realized that there was no piano. So now, I had to return to my home for my keyboard to carry on the show. As a musician, one of the first things learned is to ensure your instrument and any related parts that are needed for the performance, are available. The funny part was that I forgot that I too play the organ in church, as this was our current lead instrument. “How could I forget something like this?” “Where was my head at?” “Why didn’t I check off the instruments to be used?”
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I would advise this young person to listen to your passion, write it down somewhere you keep important notes, plan, and stick to it. Sometimes our plans may not always work out how we may desire but with faith, consistency, and dedication you are destined for success. Lastly, don’t give up!
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Lesson learned when planning a concert never assume there are items at the venue that are needed to help carry on the show. Make sure to double-check and triple-check your items which are required.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’ve been using my success to bring goodness to the world by continuously creating pathways for aspiring musicians. Since I am a believer in humanitarian aid, I’ve also been contributing to other causes over the years such as clothes drives for the needy, feeding the homeless, providing school supplies for the less fortunate, and rebuilding a community/country. These causes are not limited to any but can be with small groups, company-driven, or helping in causes within my community/country and some countries within the Caribbean region. I’m also a member of Women’s Love of Purpose NGO, where we also assist people in need. This group has aided with school supplies for children in our country over the years as well as providing countless families with food items and much more. Recently, I’ve taken up the title of Education Officer at the Febeau Community and am also working alongside the youth officer on different projects to help in the development of the youths. Since this is one of my most recent projects, I’m elated and looking forward to seeing the achievements to follow.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
One person who made a profound impact on my life was my childhood music teacher Ms. Sylvia Robin. I loved how passionate she was when teaching. During class time she would be very bold, stern, and focused, which I admired. I was able to see another side of how welcoming and caring she was to her students. I loved how she molded her students positively, as music was her driving force. She always kept high expectations of students, helping us to reach for the stars.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Over the years, I spent my childhood and early adult days in Laventille Road, Febeau Village, San Juan with my family, friends, and the community which cheered and encouraged my musical path and inspired me in so many ways. It kept me focused on goals throughout the years and it presented me with various opportunities which manifested future achievements. Growing up I saw my parents giving kind gestures to the community. Now in my adulthood, I’m inspired to give back to the community, so I took up the challenge to be a part of this worthy cause.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Music education assists students in critical thinking, discipline, social development, teamwork, and many more. This was particularly true for one of my students. He would frequently say to me while learning our National Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago that he would love the opportunity to perform this song to a wider audience. While learning, focusing on the dos and don’ts, from time to time he would say jokingly “I don’t want to do this anymore” and express his nervousness. I would go on to cheer him up with encouraging words and my past stories. This child has now opened the show for both his Graduation Ceremony last June as well as our Annual Recital 2024 which was held last month. These performances have now left my student with a sense of joy as he was amazed by his accomplishment. The project at the Febeau Community Centre is not in full swing presently, but I have seen how music can have a positive impact on young people’s lives by giving them the self-confidence to thrive. So, I know this will impact the younger ones positively.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
I believe that we all can
- Support this by sharing knowledge of how music can guide the path of a child’s life at a young age to help make a positive impact in the community.
- Get involved to support the cause by spreading the word of this project and enrolling young ones
- Contribute to things needed such as instruments, materials etc. for this project to succeed
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
I know this because I’ve read about and witnessed the change in the lives of individuals before my time and to-date. My father would speak to me growing up about how he saw how music changed the life of some of his peers. Presently, they are still stars building other stars and making a difference in society. Music has always made many positive pathways in my life as well. It’s really a blessing to be able to help create pathways for young aspiring musicians to learn music and use their talents to showcase them in a positive light which can be inspiring to others. I‘ve also made many friends on my musical journey that have impacted us all positively during the course.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
I wished someone told me;
- Opening a business requires a lot of your time and energy
- Save as much as you can so you can invest financially in your dream
- Make time for what you really love or have a passion for
- Share your dream and believe in yourself
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I would create a movement towards every child getting the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities. Music is my forte so I would start there and encourage involvement in other activities such as sports, dance, art, and much more.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
My greatest life lesson quote is that amidst all the chaos, we must remember to “Live, love and laugh.” There would have been occasions where I would get so intrigued while working on projects. I may forget to enjoy the moment or simply miss out on family time due to that project upcoming or that show which is forthcoming. Now when that has passed, I would have missed that special moment. So whether it’s facing a challenge or achieving a goal we must not forget to ”Live, love, and laugh” or else we will be missing the true essence of it all.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to meet Ed Sheeran. I believe he is a musical prodigy who truly loves music. I would be ecstatic to have an opportunity to have a sit down with him.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
The pleasure was mine. Thank you.
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Nneka Francis Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.