Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Aron T. Asumi

Aron T. Asumi is a music teacher, composer and a performer. A self taught musician, Asumi is the administrator of Immanuel Higher Secondary School, Director of Immanuel Music Academy and the Pianist at Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto. In today’s Rhythm of Love Asumi talks us through his musical journey, his love for music and how he uses this special gift. EASTERN MIRROR: To start with, for those who may be new to you and your music, tell us about yourself as an artist? ARON T. ASUMI: I am a self taught musician, composer and a performer. I am presently the Director of Immanuel Music Academy, Zunheboto and the Administrator of Immanuel Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto. I am also the pianist at Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto. I hold music Certificates from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRS M), London and Trinity College of Music, London. EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about the moment when you decided that music was something that you wanted to do with your life? ARON T. ASUMI: Music was my hobby and my passion that I always felt that it is in my blood. I started performing in my school and church when I was still in High School. Seeing my potential, my brother Dr. Vihuto Asumi, who is also a musician himself, encouraged me to pursue music as a career and in that way I was mentored and guided. I am content today for choosing the right career through which I am able to express myself best. EASTERN MIRROR: You have released a song book titled “Songs You Love” for congregational use for various institutions. Was your calling focused only towards Church ministry? Can you give your insight on your music genre? ARON T. ASUMI: Being an Administrator of a school as well, I felt the need to compile and design a comprehensive Song book where selections of Responsive Readings, Praise and Worship Songs and Hymns with Fundamentals of Staff Notation and Basics of Conducting are incorporated. The purpose of bringing out this song book titled “Songs You Love”, I wanted to encourage youth, especially students in schools and colleges to praise and worship, glorifying the name of God through singing. My calling is focused more towards church ministry because our God who is the Creator of music deserve the best and it is through music, I can serve Him the best. My genre of music may be classified as Romantic and New Age Music. EASTERN MIRROR: What are some of the challenges that you face from being in various church settings as a music artist who work with churches as well? Many church leaders and believers fail to understand the importance of music in the church. For many, singing has somewhat become rather casual and time filler between prayers and sermons instead of an active commitment in our worship. It has been treated as a chore to be endured till we go to the sermon. “God forbid”, what if our worship do not reach God. We should realize that a worshipping church is a living church. “Tomorrow Awaits” is my instrumental debut album featuring 8 piano pieces celebrating Jesus and dedicated to the Creator of Music. All pieces are my composition. The album was produced with music scores (staff notation) which can be used by performers and music teachers in schools, churches, weddings, etc. I got lots of offers especially from Dimapur and outside of Nagaland. There are times when I also have to think twice to move out of Zunheboto for better options outside of Zunheboto. However, I am determined to teach music to my own people here in Zunheboto and take Zunheboto to a music map of Nagaland. I wish to let my people know that unlike previous years when music was treated just a hobby; music is now an industry where we earn our livelihood as well. The demand for music teachers in the schools and colleges and music leaders in the church is very high, yet our people still fail to understand fact. When something we love doing becomes our career, what more should we ask for. After the dedication of our church which is Asia’s biggest Baptist church, I was approached by the church leaders to be the pianist for choir and that’s how I got involved with choir. I also have my choir viz. “IMA Choir (Immanuel Music Academy Choir)” where we perform my original compositions from time to time. Being a part of the choir, I feel spiritually quenched and satisfied. : We can see a big leap of progress in the field of music in just a decade in Nagaland. We can see many musicians, singers and music teachers taking music seriously as a profession. I believe, someday soon, Nagaland will be a music hub in the country and in the region. I am now working on my second piano instrumental video album with sheet music book which will be released in the near future, some video of which I have released in YouTube recently. I have also started my home recording studio through which I intend to promote my upcoming music students and also produce IMA Choir album.