Album Description

Ever since I read this picture book biography, I have been fascinated by Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker.

Listen tells the story of Evelyn Glennie who was born in Scotland in the 1960s.  Evelyn loved music, but, around the age of 8, she began to lose her hearing due to the degeneration of nerves in her ears.  The doctor told her parents that Evelyn would no longer be able to play music.  But, Evelyn continued to study music and was able to FEEL the music.  Initially turned down by the Royal Academy of Music in London, Evelyn went on to win national percussion competitions, received the Queen's Commendation for music and academic excellence, and, at the age of 17, performed the first solo percussion concerto at the Royal Academy of Music.  

Evelyn has won two grammy awards, performed in more than forty countries, and been knighted Dame Evelyn by the Queen of England.  

I love that the book and Evelyn's story encourage readers to find their own way of listening.  Evelyn said, "Losing my hearing made me a better listener."