Sharif enjoys playing the accordion, an instrument central to Colombian vallenato music. He has played since age 15 and it provides personal and professional benefits. Professionally, it allows him to network and market himself as music transcends boundaries. Personally, it provides stress relief, an opportunity for creativity, and mental stimulation. Overall, playing the accordion is an art that enhances his life.

1. I) SHOW US AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY
DOING. TELL US HOW YOU THINK IT
CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Sharif Abuchaibe
International MBA

2. There are many activities I enjoy
doing:
 Fishing
 Watching Soccer.
 Playing the Accordion

3. Fishing in Panama

4. Watching a Soccer Game in the
Barranquilla Stadium

5. But the activity that I enjoy the most
is Playing the Accordion

6. The Accordion
 The accordion is the central instrument of a popular music in
Colombia called: Vallenato.
 The accordion is originally from Austria.
 Its modern form was invented by Kiril Demian.
 It is complemented by the caja (percussion instrument) and
the guacharaca (percussion instrument) to compose the
vallenato music .

7. Vallenato
 Very popular music in Colombia.
 Vallenato literally means "born in the valley”
 It is composed of four basic rythms: “son”, “paseo”,
“merengue” and “puya”.
 This type of music is impregnated in the idiosyncrasy
of the people of the country

8. Here is the Song I made for my Wife.
Sang and Composed by me.
If the music did not work, here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wez7nStjHw

9. It even let’s me entertain a tireless
fellow

10. Professional Development
 The fact of playing the accordion has given me access
to many people.
 I have had the chance of “marketing” myself as well.
 Music is a universal language that transcends
boundaries and bonds people even thousands of
miles apart.
 I have known people which I have made business with
by sharing the same passion of Vallenato music.

11. Personal Development
 I have been playing the Accordion since I was 15 years
old.
 Since many people like Vallenato, playing the
accordion can make you the center of reunions (the life
of the party).
 Playing the Accordion gives me time to escape from reality.
 It gives me time to create; to give birth to something
innexistent before.

12. Playing the Accordion: The art of
creating music
 It gives me mental agility and coordination.
 It has given me the opportunity to compose songs.
 Finally, I would summarize this presentation with
Shakespeare’s, quote: "If music be the food of life, play
on".