How Music Raises Hope in Tough Times Listen to my new podcast

Nikki Bush in an uplifting conversation with composer, conductor and choirmaster Ralf Schmitt, most well-known for taking the Ndlovu Youth Choir from obscurity to the finals of America’s Got Talent (AGT) in 2019. Hear about the hope that music brought to this community and for South Africa as a whole. Ralf shares many leadership analogies, about teamwork, individuality, and diversity. Gain an understanding of and how every song must have space for the choir. For more information visit www.nikkibush.com or hello@ndlovu.co.za

The conversation covers how music raises hope:

How music has the power to help people access their emotions in tough times
The power of music to really communities
Just because you are born poor doesn’t mean you are poor, talent is around every corner
Motion shifts emotion, singing and music is the voice and the body in motion
Leadership and conducting a choir have similarities
Giving people space to grow and express themselves
Honouring the culture of the team

“You can hear the soul of the youth when they sing and that is instantly uplifting.”

Ralf Schmitt, Choirmaster of Ndlovu Youth Choir

“Humans naturally want to be together and connect”

Ralf Schmitt, Choirmaster of Ndlovu Youth Choir

“You can’t excpect people to follow if they don’t know what you want them want them to do”

Ralf Schmitt, Choirmaster of Ndlovu Youth Choir

“The important lesson of leadership that I have learnt over the years, is actually stepping back, and letting the talent within your team perform themselves, and not be overly influenced by you”

Ralf Schmitt, Choirmaster of Ndlovu Youth Choir