The Band Project at the Open Music School is a perfect opportunity for musicians seeking to explore their creativity and connect with others. Among the participants is Gaja Pozar, who recently took part in this initiative. Through her experience, Gaja highlights the essence of collaboration, the joy of creating music together, and the personal growth that emerges from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As we delve into her journey, we discover how the project fosters a supportive community where individuals can develop their skills, overcome challenges, and form lasting connections through the universal language of music.
How did you first hear about the Band Project at the Open Music School, and what motivated you to join?
I was in the Bass WhatsApp group for the OML and just saw Joe’s message inviting us to join the Band project. I originally applied as a bass player, even though I’ve only played once, haha! Then he mentioned I could play some keyboards since that’s the instrument I’m most comfortable with. I wanted to join because performing with a band has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, but I never thought I’d be good enough to collaborate with others. Turns out, I was!
What does the Open Music School community mean to you, and how has it influenced your musical journey?
I loved being part of the community cause it’s so open, free, easygoing and friendly. I lived in Reuterkiez for a while and it was lovely to be able to walk to the activities. Without the OMS I think I would never have gotten actively into music, because I was always intimidated by the cost and consistency of regular music, production or singing courses. I kept procrastinating on this passion of mine, convincing myself I should focus on something else.
How does a session of the Band Project look like?
We meet at Noisy Rooms (there’s always one or two of us running late) and start off by jamming to warm up a bit. We chat about anything and throw around some jokes to break the ice—Mike is great at that! Then we gradually shift into a more structured rehearsal. We keep practicing our melody or song until we hit a part that doesn’t quite sit right with the group. We share our opinions and ideas, play around with different things, and just keep building on our creation. I felt like we were developing it right up until the last rehearsal; with most creative projects, it never feels quite good enough. But in the end, we all loved it!
Can you share your experience of being part of a group that writes a song together? What was the creative process like for you?
I think everyone contributed a part of themselves to the process. The melody emerged while we were jamming, and we decided to stick with it. Then, one evening, I impulsively wrote some lyrics based on a recent personal experience and brought them to the next rehearsal. Somehow, I ended up singing the song and only played a bit of keyboards at the beginning. Since I have more experience with words and poetry than with music, I felt that was the best contribution I could make. Carol was incredibly supportive with the singing melody since she has more experience, and we ended up singing together.
How did the Band Project help you grow as a musician or performer? Were there any skills or insights you gained that you didn’t expect?
Personally, I found it challenging to be fluid in the creative process because I tend to hold on to my initial ideas. I had to work hard to ‘unlock’ something in my brain and explore new directions. This experience with the Band Project really helped me understand that about myself! Performing in a concert was a mind-blowing experience that I never imagined I would have. It opened up so many doors and possibilities for me in the future, knowing that I can do it—and that I’ve already done it!
What was it like to perform the song you wrote as a group at the OMS Performance Night? How did you feel leading up to and during the performance?
I was super scared but also really excited. In the end, it went smoothly and felt so short! By the time we finished the song, I just wanted to perform it again right away!
Can you tell us about a memorable moment or highlight from your time in the Band Project?
One of the most memorable moments from my time in the Band Project is actually the story behind our name, Mozzarella Kick. During our first rehearsal, Mike came back from the bathroom a bit shocked because he saw a bunch of empty mozzarella plastic bags in the trash bin. The image of someone nervously munching on raw mozzarella in the Noisy Rooms toilet was just too funny, so we decided to use it as our name. We added ‘Kick’ to make it sound catchier, plus there was always a kickboxing class next door with loud, groovy techno music playing during our breaks. It all came together perfectly!
How did the mentorship and support you received during the project impact your experience?
Mike and Joe were supportive without being intrusive or overly dominant. They helped keep us from getting stuck in endless discussions when all we really needed to do was play—just play, play, play!
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the Band Project but is hesitant?
Just go for it! You won’t regret it. You’ll meet amazing, kind people. Don’t hesitate to dive in and unleash your creative process—something beautiful and fun will emerge!
How do you see the role of music in fostering community and bringing people from different backgrounds together?
Music is an international language and the perfect tool for building community. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with some learning, patience, and supportive teachers, anyone can feel comfortable playing and grooving with strangers who soon become friends. I’m so grateful that OMS exists and continues to rock!