Page 14 - MM2

Summary ( to be written in the note book)

Evelyn Glennie is a multi – percussionist. She has attained mastery over almost a
thousand musical instruments despite being hearing – impaired. She learnt to feel
music through the body instead of hearing it through the ears.

When Evelyn was eleven years old, it was discovered that she had lost her hearing power
due to nerve damage. The specialist advised that she wear hearing aids and be sent to a
school for the deaf. On the contrary, Evelyn was determined to lead a normal life and
follow her interest in music. Although she was discouraged by her teachers, her potential
was noticed by master percussionist, Ron Forbes. He guided Evelyn to feel music some
other way than to hear it through her ears. This worked well for Evelyn and she realized
that she could sense different sounds through different parts of her body.

Once she had overcome this hurdle, Evelyn began her career in music. She got admission
in the Royal Academy of Music, London and scored the highest marks in the history of the
academy. Evelyn says that hard work and dedication towards her goal helped her achieve
success. Evelyn gives solo performances and even gives free concerts for hospitals and
schools. In the year 1991, she won the Royal Philharmonic Society‘s prestigious ‗Soloist of
the Year‘ Award. Evelyn‘s story is an inspiration for the differently abled who are motivated
to fulfil their dreams like she did.

Assignment ( to be done in note book)

Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.
1.How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?
2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?
3. Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?
4. Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs.
5. What did Evelyn say about getting successful?
6. Why did she have trouble with bushy beards?
7. Evelyn become an inspiration for many. How?