Buzurman Esenbekov, despite his vision problems, chose the challenging path of a musician. He is currently a student at the Folklore Faculty of the B. Beishenaliev Arts University, where he shares his experiences about the difficulties and transformations that music has brought into his life.
How Buzurman Took the Risk and Changed Universities
After graduating from a boarding school for visually impaired and blind children in Bishkek, Buzurman faced the choice of a future profession, just like any other graduate.
For people with visual impairments, the choice of profession is often limited: many become music or history teachers, while some choose to become massage therapists. At the beginning of his career, Buzurman took a more conventional path, enrolling in a pedagogical university to become a music teacher.
However, after studying for just a year, he realized that it was not enough. “I understood that this was not quite what I needed. I wanted not just to teach, but to develop in music and grow as a musician,” Buzurman recalls.
The decision to leave the university was not easy. “It was a risk. I was scared, but I understood that if I didn’t try now, I would regret it later,” he admits.
The "Jürogümdo Music" Project: How Three Months Changed His Fate
Thus, he became a student again and is currently in his third year, studying the folklore direction.
Buzurman's interest in music arose during his studies at the boarding school when he passed the selection for the television project "Jürogümdo Music." Six students from the boarding school were trained to play Kyrgyz national instruments, among which he chose the komuz.
Although his grandfather was an experienced komuz player, Buzurman had not shown interest in this instrument before.
The project lasted three months, during which the participants intensively practiced, mastering traditional melodies, and ultimately performed at a final concert. It was then that Buzurman first thought about connecting his life with music.
After the project ended, he continued his lessons with the teacher Bakay Turatbek uulu. Music gradually became not just a hobby, but a part of his life. He began to work seriously on his technique, studying complex pieces and deepening his skills.
Challenges of Learning: Working with Sheet Music with +12 Vision
At the university, his mentor became the renowned komuz player Bek Alagushiev, who helped Buzurman adapt to the educational process. Due to his vision problems, he finds it difficult to work with regular sheet music, so the teacher began printing them in an enlarged format. Even with +12 vision, the workload remains high.
“Sometimes I spend several days analyzing one piece. What takes others a couple of hours takes me much longer. But I am used to it,” says Buzurman.
Despite all the difficulties, he tries to keep up with the group, and his determination earns him respect from his classmates. Buzurman is persistent and responsible; he is used to seeing things through to the end.
“When I feel tired, I look at him—and the desire to keep working immediately appears,” shares his friend and classmate Sanjar Ryspekov.
Music has influenced not only his professional side but also his personal development. In childhood, he was sensitive and easily offended, but over time he became more disciplined, patient, and self-confident.
Returning to the Boarding School: From Student to Mentor
Buzurman receives great support from his family and friends, who have always believed in him and supported his desire to pursue music.
Since he became a participant in the project, seven years have passed, and during this time he has fully convinced himself of the correctness of his choice.
He is currently doing an internship at the boarding school where he once studied, and together with a friend, he teaches children to play the komuz for free.
“Not long ago, I was just learning myself, and now I can pass on my knowledge,” he says.
In the future, Buzurman dreams of becoming a master of playing the komuz, creating a folklore ensemble with his classmates, and performing on big stages. He is inspired by the ensemble "Kambarcan," and he hopes to reach the same level.
Advice from Buzurman
- Don’t be afraid to dream. If others say, “it’s impossible,” keep moving towards your goal.
- Develop every day. Even small steps lead to results if approached with persistence.
- Seek support. Mentors, friends, and family can help find solutions in difficult situations.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own rhythm and capabilities.
- View difficulties as experience. What seems like an obstacle actually strengthens you and teaches you to value success.
“It’s important not to stop and to believe in yourself,” emphasizes Buzurman. “If you have a dream, you must strive for it, no matter what.”
