Goal-Driven
Writing and photos by Jesse Tollestrup
Meet Erik, Emma and Sophie. Three of our students whose goals are as diverse as they are awesome.
MEET ERIK.
Erik Delblanc (9 years old) is a music mastermind in the making. Ever since he first heard a piano, it was love at first sound. In just two years Erik’s musical stylings have evolved from playing music, to writing his own tunes, to diving into the world of music notation. And just when you think he can’t get any cooler, Erik adds drums to the mix. Now, he’s already scheming how he’ll notate drum beats like a pro.
When it comes to music, Erik has two moods: Peaceful and Intense. He can’t quite explain why he’s drawn to them, but he knows just where to find them: Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons. Why does Erik like playing both Minecraft and music so much? “I like creating things…and sometimes destroying them,” he says with a grin.
When it comes to music, Erik has two moods: Peaceful and Intense.
After a year of writing music out by hand Erik leveled up to Musescore, a free music notation software. He likes the software way better because “you can listen to it, too!” His mom, Maureen, says it’s been amazing to see him go from exploring sounds on the piano to getting creative on Musescore. Now Erik can compose and destroy in virtual space!
Erik’s practice routine is pretty solid. He practices for 15 minutes almost every day (consistency is key!). If he hits his monthly practice goal, he gets to go on a shopping spree at Circle K for his favourite treats: slurpees, nerds, and airheads. In the summers, he lets the routine fall away “because I don’t have piano lessons”. Turns out those weekly lessons aren’t just teaching him music, they’re teaching him the power of practice, too.
Erik’s advice for new students: “Practice! About 15 minutes a day, or 30 minutes if you’re doing the Backbeat Practice Challenge”.
MEET EMMA.
Emma Naydenov (15 years old) got her start on guitar two years ago. It all began when Emma subtly hinted to her mom that she wanted to play guitar. “I didn’t think it would really go anywhere, but she told my uncle, and he got me an electric guitar for Christmas!” (Side note: her uncle also gifted her sister a sword. Cool family, right?) From there, Emma jumped into lessons at Backbeat and has been honing her craft ever since. Emma’s dream is to one day nail the solo in Hotel California. In the meantime she’s focusing on improving her speed, accuracy, and chord changes.
While some people may be motivated by performances or deadlines, that’s not Emma. “I started learning guitar, not for anyone else, but for myself. It’s MY thing. I don’t have to perform for anyone, and I go at my own pace.” Music is Emma’s personal outlet, a way to unwind and get in the zone. What keeps her going is noticing her own improvement: “Once I notice my progress, I’m like ‘hey that’s pretty cool, I’ve done that for myself!’” The moment she felt it the most? Playing Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” again after six months and totally crushing it.
"Always keep an open mind to growth. Once you achieve your goal, don't stop - think of a new goal."
- Emma
When asked what artists inspire her, Emma says “Tough question…It’s very vibey for me. I go on what I’m feeling in the moment.” She’s got a pretty eclectic mix of vibes in her playlists, from Bjork and Nirvana (“of course”) to Lemon Demon, The Cranberries, Limp Bizkit, and Metallica. Each artist brings back different memories, like summer road trips with her cousin and late-night music chats with her dad.
Emma’s advice to new students is to go slowly, prioritize good technique right from the start, and not to put too much pressure on yourself. Oh, and metronomes – “I love those things!”
MEET SOPHIE.
Sophie Harcott (11 years old) started singing when she was just a toddler, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. “I want to be a singer when I grow up….I want to do it for my life,” she says. Sophie’s parents saw her passion and first put her into piano lessons at the age of six.
There is only one thing Sophie wants to learn in music lessons, and that’s…Taylor Swift’s entire discography. But Sophie isn’t just dreaming, she’s making it happen. She’s tackling one of Taylor Swift’s twelve studio albums every month between September and Winter Break. Talk about dedication! “Any aspect of your day, any emotion that you’re feeling…you can turn on Taylor Swift and there’s a song for that,” Sophie says. “She’s also a kind person and writes all her own songs.” Sophie’s practice sessions are usually inspired by listening to – you guessed it – Taylor Swift. Listening to Taylor Swift makes Sophie want to sing, and singing makes her want to play piano, and then before you know it, she’s sitting down at the piano bench.
"I want to be a singer when I grow up...I want to do it for my life."
- Sophie
Other than Taylor Swift, Sophie’s music taste is shaped by family and friends. “Before I became a Swiftie, I was really into country music because that’s what my mom loves. If I’m with my Auntie, we’ll listen to Spice Girls,” Sophie explains, “but I don’t normally listen to anything else unless my friends ask me to.”
Sophie’s advice for new students? "Your teachers are there to help, so don't be scared to be yourself in lessons!”