Easing pain through music

When hit with a devastating loss or daunting circumstance, words may fail to touch on the suffering or express the pain. 

But a clear, crystalline melody can stir the soul in ways unlike any other, according to international artist Eric Genius.

Presenting such musical encounters is the mission of Genius, a composer and pianist who recently presented a concert with other virtuoso artists at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge for Sacred Heart School students. Between musical interludes, which appeared to have mesmerized the students, Genius shared humorous and poignant stories and answered questions.

Genius brings the beauty of music to the less fortunate and suffering, whom he calls the “the forgotten of the world.” His ambition is “to play for those who are bleeding.” 

He has presented more than 1,000 prison concerts, including recent ones at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, California and Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. He’s performed in nursing homes, rehab centers and for the homeless in Los Angeles. 

A devout Catholic, Eric Genius also performs at parishes and schools. He refers to his musical ministry as a corporate work of mercy.

Genius, who was scheduled to present a concert before death row inmates in a Texas prison the day following his appearance at Sacred Heart, first talked to the students about the damaging effects bad music has on the culture. He contrasted that with a concert featuring only the piano, violin, cello and a “voice instrumentalist.”

Genius told the students that access to music has changed substantially during the years.

“Now you have the world, the library of music at your fingertips like never before,” said Genius.

Before going into his first musical piece, he told the story of a father who walked by his daughter’s door and heard offensive music. He knocked on the door and said, “I’m concerned about the music you’re listening to.”

He pointed out that the words were inappropriate for women and families and were excessively violent. His daughter’s response was, “It doesn’t affect me. I don’t even know the words. I just like the beat.”

Philosophers throughout the years have stressed the ability of music to affect the way people see themselves, their culture and to even govern a nation, by using it to swing moods. Some think music is a “background in a video” not realizing its subtle influences, according to Genius.

He then discussed and demonstrated the ability of music to bring hope and changes in dire situations.

One story Genius shared with the youth was when he performed in a prison for juvenile offenders.

“I was playing in a youth prison and it was a tough situation. One boy had done some serious crimes. At the end of the show, he was asking all kinds of questions about the violin. And he stood up and said, ‘That violin is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Why have I never heard it before?’ ” said Genius.

Prisoners have sent letters to him and wrote “your music has moved me. I sat in my cell and cried and cried.”

“I think that we are all meant to be moved by music. I think the human condition is elevated through beauty. I think it helps us to see who we truly are,” said Genius. “It allows a person to experience a higher form of their true dignity and the way they view things.”

Genius and accompanying artists played songs that demonstrated the versatility of their instruments and explained their role in music. Between songs Genius had a question and answer sessions with the students.

Genius took the opportunity to encourage the students when was asked, “How did you get so good?” 

“Everyone in this church is blessed with talent,” said Genius “All you have to do is take the gifts God gave you and use them.”

By devoting a few minutes of free time each day to practicing people can become a “virtuoso” in what they do, Genius stressed.

“Take time to invest in yourself. Do something that will uplift you and inspire you,” said Genius.