2. Deborah Cowley
Deborah Cowley is an Ottawa-based
freelance writer and broadcaster.She
has travelled all around the world
while writing more than 100 articles.
She grew up in Toronto, graduated
from the University of Western Ontario
and moved to Ottawa to work.She has
contributed numerous biographies such
as “One Woman’s Journey” and an
immense Travel Literature “Cairo-A
practical guide” to the literary world.
About the Authoress
3. About the Chapter
Chapter Overview
The chapter is divided into two
parts. Both deal with aspects of
music and the legendary
musicians who achieved
excellence in their respective
fields, even after some or the
other problems.
Part 1
This part is about the famous multi-
percussionist (A person who plays the
drum), Evelyn Glennie,who had
became deaf at a young age.However,
she worked hard to learn music and
became one of the world's most
famous multi-percussionist. She has
won many awards. She is a role
model for the handicapped people.
4. Character Sketch
Evelyn Glennie - The renowned multi-percussionist who was deaf but managed to overcome the
obstacle by the Nature.She was a determined and hardworking girl.In childhood,she had lost her
hearing capabilities and gradually at the age of eleven year, her hearing power was severely
damaged.Though she was hadicapped,she took music as her passion. Her teachers discouraged her
but percussionist Ron Forbes guided her, and instead of listening to music,she felt it.She joined a
three year course at Royal Academy of Music.She captured most of top awards at the Royal
Academy and achieved her success.She’s a role model for the handicapped people.
Ron Forbes -The percussionist who spotted the potential within the young
Evelyn and motivated her to play drums.As it is said, a good teacher is enough to bring the best out
of you.
Isabel Glennie- The mother of Evelyn Glennie, she first noticed Evelyn’s disability when she was
eight years old.
5. Summary
Evelyn lost her hearing at a young age
Evelyn didn’t give up hope and never looked
back
Achievements of Evelyn
Evelyn senses Music
Evelyn:An inspiration for the handicapped
6. Evelyn lost her sense of hearing gradually at a young age.However,she hid her
growing deafness from her friends and teachers for a long time.But when she was
eleven vears old situation became worse.Evelyn didn't Give up hope and never
looked back despite of her deafness,she was determined to lead a normal life and
pursue her interest in music.One day, she noticed a girl playing a xylophone and
decided to learn to play it. Many people discouraged her but the percussionist Ron
Forbes recognised her potential.He supported Evelyn in achieving her goal. He
taught her not to hear music through her ears but try to sense in different way.She
joined a youth orchestra.When she was 16,she finally decided to make music her
life. She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest
marks in the Academy. She gradually left the orchestral work and started giving
solo performances. At the end of the 3 year course,she received most of the top
awards and she became the world's most famous multi-percussionist with mastery
over 1000 instruments. She even spoke Scottish flawlessly and also learnt French
in Japanese.In 1991,he was honoured with a very prestigious award.
7. Message
The authoress wants to give
the readers an important
lesson of life that:-
We can acquire SUCCESS in
whatever condition we are
in.What we need to be
successful in our life is not the
things we have,its our passion
and willingness to make it
come true.
Theme
The central theme of
the story “The sound
of music”
is " Love and
passion for music"
and about "making it
against the odds"
