Music for the Ears

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 07:15

In the time that I have spent interviewing and getting to know Gustavo Beaklini, I have not figured him out completley.

But the one thing that I did find out, is what he loves the most. 

Music and his instrument of choice; a Harp.

Beaklini, 23 is from Brasilia, Brazil but moved to Tucson in August to attend the University of Arizona's School of Music.

Beaklini's music career began at the age of 11 with the piano.  After four years of playing the piano, Beaklini switched to the Harp and has been playing ever since.

At 18, Beaklini had to relocate to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil so he could pursue a bachelor's degree in music with a harp focus.

Beaklini, a teaching assistant is now pursuing a master's degree in music with a focus on harp performance.

Beaklini, who is prideful of his Brazilian culture, respects the different Latino culture that it is represented in Tucson, but that does not mean that he does not recognize the difference between the two.

"I think the main difference about Latino culture in Tucson compared to Brazil is that even though Brazil lies “in” South America we are still not as much in touch with other Latin American countries as much as we get in touch with it here in Tucson," Beaklini said. 

Although there are differences, Beaklini enjoys the culture here in Tucson.

"I like the difference of exposure to Latino culture because coming to United States has been this interesting experience because I have been learning about Latino culture," Beaklini said. 

Not only are there differences between cultures there are also differences in ways in which the music is learned.

"One difference is that in Brazil we are all about the musicality, we have big hearts, we are caring and when we play the harp we play with feeling and in the United States technique is really strong and in Brazil we don't learn that," Beaklini said.


Although Beaklini enjoys the culture here in Tucson, he said that one of the challenges to overcome was language.  Beaklini speaks Portuguese, as well as English.  Although he speaks English, he said he found it difficult because he wanted to make sure that he pronounced the words right, and wanted to avoid grammar mistakes. 

As much as Beaklini appreciates and enjoys being in Tucson he can't help but miss back home.

"I think what I truly miss sometimes is the Brazilian way of living," Beaklini said. 

"Here, there is an extreme commitment with punctuality, which I like so far even though it is so different than in Brazil," Beaklini said. 

Beaklini also misses the food.

"In Brazil I used to have rice and beans everyday. I miss that so much," Beaklini said. 

After Beaklini receives his master's degree he plans to pursue his doctorate in music as well.  He wants to be an university professor and a parent in the future. 

Written by Tierra Prewitt