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WHAT MUSIC MEANS TO ME

I began the What Music Means to Me Project in the early 2000s. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of the benefits of music education through photographic images and personal stories.

The project was published as a book in 2011. The book features over 40 unique and personal stories about how music made a profound difference in each person's life. 

As the fine arts continue to struggle for recognition in our educational system, the stories contained in this project are a timely testament to the importance and validity of music to make a positive and profound difference in the world we inhabit. There can be no doubt that what music means to those featured in this collection is nothing short of life changing. Click here to order the book!

Riley

I've suffered from an eating disorder for almost eleven years of my life. I've kept so many secrets; Iʼve told so many lies. When I play, I can identify my feelings. All of my troubles disappear for a moment and Riley shines through. Because of music, I have found myself. Music is my diary . . .

Jonathan

Music saved me from a life of trouble and heartache. I donʼt have to worry about getting involved in gangs because I was given an escape through my music. Music gives me the confidence to say no to peer pressure put on me every day.

Petronel

I've learned that the outcome is seldom a satisfactory aspect in music. It is in the process where we have our best moments and most rewarding experiences.

April

I was self-taught, then taught by great teachers, and now I teach. I teach to share the beauty, passion, and love I find in music with others, and to inspire them to do their best in music and in life. Now music is my life. Never listen to someone who tells you it’s too late!

Ann Marie

A student asked me if I had it to do over again would I still pursue music as a career. I thought about the people that come to the symphony, my many teachers, mentors and colleagues. Would I do it over again? Absolutely. I didnt' choose music. It chose me.

Grace

I lived during the “Cultural Revolution” in China. The government warned the country to get rid of all Western culture and influences, such as music and art. When it ended in 1976, I left my motherland with hope and love in music. It brought me to Texas, and brought me to you today. Now, my calling is to pass on this legacy to my children and to my students.

Tiger

Music is what defines me. I take pride in my music and try to share it with others as much as possible. I write music to get my point across to other people when I don’t have words, because, as Stella Adler once said: “We are what we do, not what we say.” Music is everything to me.

Morty

I recently read a book review that included this quote, "Music has unique qualities - it goes right to the heart, bypassing the brain. It raises your spirits no matter what your situation is." Would I have ended up differently without music lessons? I'll never know. But music changed the way I perceived the world, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Jonathan

We are influenced by other people, whether itʼs musically, politically or religiously. I believe that MUSIC is the highest influence in this modern age. The ability to make music is the ability to influence. It can make or break our dreams, all depending on the quality of music.

DANCE PROJECT

Dance is one of the most physical and graceful forms of the arts. I have always been drawn to the discipline and the detail that nuances every movement. These images depict grace and power, athleticism and lyricism - forces that seemingly oppose each other but that are combined to create art.

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THE SELF-PORTRAIT

Self-portraiture dates back some 400 years to Rembrandt. I have always been intrigued by thinking about the world and my place in it, to see myself in third person, as it were. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that a self-portrait project would be filled with fascinating layers. There were the creative challenges of making an interesting image every day, but what interested me more were the answers to questions of how I would deal with my feelings of vanity, and how openly and honestly I I would portray myself. Would I make images that show myself as I really am, or as how I want to be perceived? Is there a difference?

The images examine the relationships I have with music, photography, and writing, the things that feed my creative life. I also photographed people, things and places who shaped me.

I know what you're thinking: Why would someone indulge in photographing himself? Admittedly, it did feel narcissistic at first, and I felt self-conscious when I talked about it to my photography friends. Most were perplexed with the unspoken question of “Why?” written all over their faces. But I saw self-portraiture as an opportunity to look closer at who I am and to discover more about my photography. Self-reflection is never a bad thing. Who among us doesn't want to learn more about themselves...

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Hello! I'm Richard Rejino, a passionate photographer based in the Dallas area.

With a keen eye for detail and a love for capturing authentic moments, I specialize in portrait, event, documentary, and fine art photography.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with diverse clients, helping them preserve their cherished memories through my lens. When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy reading, running, cooking, making music, writing, and enjoying my family, which often inspires my creative approach. Let's work together to create timeless images that tell your unique story.

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