How Music Changed My Life: Dichondra

January 6, 2014

Detroit House music… helped me to win my first dance contest at 5yrs old at party against older folks on the west side of Detroit in the '80s…and taught me that I was a dancer at a young age, for it moved me in ways I cannot explain.

Music …made me social from beginning to play the flute at 7 years old and performing in front of large groups and gaining the courage to do theater… a shy girl became a social butterfly and a fly Diva. 

Music…showed me that a Detroit girl transplanted to East Lansing was just as good as my more rich, affluent, privileged peers…I could stand up to the best of them and be 1st chair in the band, despite their confusion on how I got to be so great. 

Music…It help me stand before tough judges in Middle School and receive “1s" at Solo and Ensemble competitions every year, even when I was one of the only minorities in the place!!

Music … has allowed me to see the world though its eyes, learn history, work with world artists, and even go to College... all because of my love, exposure and devotion to music (and all the performing arts).  

Music… gave me the confidence to be strong even when bullied..I took "Momma said knock you out" literally and fought back every time. 

Music...kept me out of trouble and pregnancy...it was the only thing more important than boys as a teen!

Music… gave the opportunity me to perform with Motown late, great Motown Legend Gladys Horton of the Marvelettes when I was only 19 years old!!

Music… after leaving a bad marriage helped me recover from hurt and abuse, now I know I can love again for music helped my heart and mind to heal! Music is great therapy!

For music "my cup runs over"..like King David in Psalms. And just like Eric Sermon of EPMD, O'Jays, and Marvin Gaye said ...I love music... I thank MUSIC everyday for saving my life, giving me hope, the will to live, and helping me find my way out of the darkness time and time again!!