Ronnie Malley's range as a multi-instrumentalist is vast. He is a master of percussion and rhythm; a guitarist and oud player; and a keyboardist, to name a few of his skills. He is a versatile songwriter, a composer, an experienced performer, and a recording engineer. His knowledge within the realm of music — and sound itself — is remarkable, and founded on principles of both art and science.
Ronnie's musicality runs in his Palestinian family. His father, an immigrant to America and accomplished musician himself, encouraged his sons' interest in music from an early age. Ronnie says his father always put up with he and his brother’s interest in heavy rock music, but also made it a point to cultivate an appreciation within them for the music of their ancestral homeland. Alongside his father and brother, Ronnie played in a family band for 15 years. Along with honing his musical chops on some of the world’s largest stages, a young Ronnie saw first-hand how powerful music can be in bringing people together. Eventually, he began to look at music as a universal language in and of itself — consisting of different dialects and nuances to explore.
Outside of his work done in the studio and on the stage, Ronnie works as a music educator within the Chicago school system. He takes joy in helping students discover themselves through music. In line with his philosophy of seeing music as a language, Ronnie encourages his students to learn different languages, as well. He believes that in order to properly play certain indigenous rhythms, it’s necessary to understand the rhythm of the language the music comes from.
Indeed, as brilliant a musical mind he may be, Ronnie Malley is more than a musician. He is an educator, a mentor, and a visionary for a more harmonious world. A strong believer in global citizenry, Ronnie believes that in order for the world to become a better place for all, we should embrace cultural diversity across the board. In essence: focus on the beauty within our differences rather than focusing on the differences themselves.
In this episode of Stories of Transformation, we discuss the similarities between music and language; how to reconcile traditional views of “success” with following your heart and doing what you love; where rhythm lives in the body; and the concept of global citizenry and how it cultivates diversity while promoting a more harmonious world.
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For full show notes
https://www.baktashahadi.com/shownotes/ronnie-malley-multi-instrumentalist-and-educator-believes-that-global-citizenry-is-the-key-to-a-more-harmonious-world
Connect with Ronnie Malley
Website: http://www.ronniemalley.com/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronniemalley/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ronnie_Malley?s=20
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Credits
Produced by: Joseph Gangemi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-gangemi-audio/
Digital Marketing & Media by: Katherine An
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-a-91081b56/
Theme music by: Qais Essar
www.therabab.com
Artwork by: Masheed Ahadi
https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/masheed
Episode Music Credits
"Martyr" - Ronnie Malley
"Dakab Qalb" - Ronnie Malley
"Zahma" - Composed by Ronnie Malley. Performed by Surabhi Ensemble
"Steadfast" - Ronnie Malley