At the age of 19, Mahani Teave left her home on Easter Island to pursue a career as a pianist. After achieving success, she returned home and brought instruments with her to spread music across the island and help preserve its culture. Teave recalled the excitement of the island's first piano when she was only 9 years old.
According to Teave, she was nine years old when the island received its first piano. She recalled the excitement surrounding the arrival of a teacher who was bringing her piano with her. Teave told "Good Morning America" that she immediately went searching for the teacher and before she knew it, she was playing the piano.
Teave mentioned that despite having the opportunity to leave
the island and pursue her passion on a global level, she felt a strong
attachment to her home. She explained that there was always a pull towards the
island, as if there was an umbilical cord connecting her to it. Teave expressed
how much she missed the island and the emotional ties that kept her connected
to it.
Teave established a sustainable music school called
Earthship in 2016, using 2,500 tires, 60,000 cans and bottles, solar panels,
rainwater tanks, and a garden to produce food. She explained that the school
was created to address the various challenges faced by the island, including the
generation of waste. Teave hoped that Earthship would serve as an inspiration
to others by proposing solutions to these issues.
Currently, over 100 individuals on the island have the
opportunity to learn about different styles of music from around the world, as
well as the traditional music of the Rapa Nui people. Teave emphasized that
music has played a vital role in helping island residents connect with their
cultural heritage on a deeper level.
Teave commented that when children learn to speak, their
ability to intuitively understand the culture is closely linked to their
language acquisition. She emphasized that this is a critical way of preserving
the cultural heritage of the Rapa Nui people. Teave also noted that those who
reside on the island understand their role as guardians of the environment and
the culture.
She expressed her hope that the students who attend
Earthship would grow to become well-rounded individuals who possess empathy
towards others, a strong commitment to preserving the environment, and a belief
in their ability to make the world a better place.
Teave, who will embark on a North American tour in the fall
and release her picture book, "The Girl Who Heard the Music," in
April, sees her work as akin to conducting an orchestra that aims to create
harmony across the globe. She expressed that an orchestra is a remarkable
display of individuals from diverse backgrounds who respect and listen to one
another, while also paying attention to the smallest of details.
Teave believes that this is how society should function - in
a state of harmony and unity.
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