In each installment of "Three Questions With," we get to know a different PJ Library celebrity by asking three questions about their work, their process, and interests. We've featured authors, illustrators, and as of today, musicians! Get to know Jewish music star Melita.
How did you start playing music?
I started writing "poetry" if you could call it that, when I was little, maybe about 10 years old. I joined my school choir at 13. When I was 15 I started to learn the guitar. The first thing I did was put my poems to music. That was definitely the beginning of my career is a singer/songwriter.
What advice do you have for parents whose children have an interest in music?
Encourage it. Expose your kids to lots of different kinds of music--not just "kids" music, and also not just "adult" music. Let them feel their way into what interests them. Bring music into your home with instruments and recorded music alike. And most of all, it doesn't matter if you don't think you yourself are musically inclined. Let your kids see your vulnerabilities. Let them see you learn something new and even mess up! Modeling an open mind for our children helps them to see that its okay to make mistakes and to not strive for "perfection" (whatever that is!).
Tell us about what you’re currently working on and what’s next.
I am currently working on another album with Isaac Zones. This will be in some ways similar to My Roots Go Down, which some PJ Library families will be receiving this December! The new album will be a mix of traditional Hebrew songs, folk classics in English, and a hybrid of the two, as well as some Melita and Isaac originals.
November 16, 2016