Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Henry.
Imani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music has been my one constant since I was nine years old in 3rd grade–whether it was listening on the radio or playing instruments. I played violin and piano until I was 13. I continued to play violin all the way through college, got my music instrumental degree and am now an Orchestra Director at a middle school in CFISD.
I clung more to the violin in high school when I moved to Texas from California. There was a culture shock moving from a more urban area in California to a very suburban area in Texas. In most of my classes, I was the only melanin face in the room. I often felt like I had to be the “representative” of the Black community when all I wanted to do was learn. Orchestra provided me with an outlet to express myself without having to speak words.
I also did not have very many teachers that looked like me throughout my learning career. A part of why I went into teaching is to create representation for students why may not otherwise have it, especially in the musical space. There are not as many melanin faces specifically in the Orchestra space. I struggled with that personally as well. I want to help break that barrier and provide inclusion for all students.
I want to be unapologetic about who I am and what I represent, which is why I chose Melanin Violin as the title of my company. I teach private violin lessons to middle and high school students. Any skill level is welcome! I am flexible with scheduling on my website: melaninviolin.com. I can travel to you or we can meet via zoom.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been bumpy for sure! Another part of my culture shock, which ended up being a blessing, is that music is a lot more serious in the school setting here in Texas than in California. I thought I was on track with my musical learning until I moved here and started high school. I felt like I was constantly playing catch up to be as good as the other students. I also felt like I had to constantly prove myself in college. I take significant pride in my degree because of this. This has also affected how I teach today. I strive to be the teacher I needed in school.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As stated earlier, I teach Orchestra at a middle school in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. Two years ago, I started a brand new program at the school I’m at now and I happen the only director on my campus. I am known for being stern, but kind. Classroom management is a must! Students know what their expectations are, but also know my classroom is a safe space for them to have fun and be themselves. This is my dream job and my students make me proud every day!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
This is not at all music related, but I have distinct memories riding my bike up and down the block with my sister every summer while I lived in California. The weather is always nice there, so we could stay out there for hours if we wanted.
Pricing:
- 30 minute lesson-$45
- 45 minute lesson-$60
- 60 minute lesson-$75
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: melaninviolin.com
- Instagram: @melanin.violin
- Twitter: @melanin_violin
- Tiktok: @melaninviolin
