TEXT: BETH ROESSNER
PIOTR GAJEWSKI:
A Local Conductor
and Pioneer of Early
Music Education
t was a piano in his
grandparent’s house
that initially attracted
Piotr Gajewski to music.

Although no one in his
family were trained
musicians, music was always apart
of his life. He started playing piano
when he was four, and that initial
contact with the ivory keys resulted
in a lifetime love affair with music.

Gajewski is a local leader in
ensuring more area children get
exposure to music early on.

Although he was lucky to have that
childhood exposure, he understands
that not all children may be that
lucky. “There was a piano in my
grandfather’s house,” explained
Gajewski, who grew up in Poland.

“They were always playing it, so I
wanted to do the same.”
Music exposure at an early age
touts many benefits—it improves
academic and physical skills, refines
patience, introduces new cultures
and boosts self-esteem. Even in the
womb, prenatal music can help with
brain development and prenatal
learning. That deeply routed passion inspired
Gajewski to continue his education
in music and pursue a musical
career. “Music has been shown in lots
and lots of studies to help in brain
development in ways that literally
nothing else does,” he said.

Founder, music director and
conductor of the National
Philharmonic Orchestra at
Strathmore in Bethesda, MD,
Government funding and school
budget cuts have hampered music
expansion in early years, but
parents still play a crucial role in the
exposure equation.

“I’d say advocate to reverse those
cuts!” laughed Gajewski. But if
parents are unable to voice their
concerns, they can still enroll in
community music programs through
local organizations or libraries.

Music is a universal language ,
said Gajewski, who immigrated to
the United States when he was 10.

Nearly every culture has their own
style of music, or has put forth great
composers and musicians. When a
child or adult is able to experience
what these cultures have to offer
musically, they’re experiencing new
worlds. But if a parent or guardian does not
have a direct interest in music, or
access to musical programs, it can be
hard for the beneficial exposure to
happen, but not impossible.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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