"Had it not been for Uzeyir teacher, my existence would not have been possible".

This is my creative epigraph. It is indeed so. With my present existence and current success, my husband and I are indebted to my teacher.

In 1939, when Uzeyir teacher came to me, I was a schoolgirl with no formal musical education. However, I loved music very much and even aspired to compose music. My elder sister Zumrud took me to Uzeyir bey. I played and sang my own song on the piano. Since then, I began studying at the theory department and later at the preparatory course opened by Uzeyir teacher at the conservatory. I studied composition and the fundamentals of Azerbaijani folk music in Uzeyir teacher’s class.

Uzeyir teacher was a very kind, sincere, caring, and big-hearted person.

It was during the war years. One day, my teacher noticed my pale complexion in class and asked, "Are you perhaps hungry?", "No’, I replied shyly, turning my face away. He took out the butter and bread he had brought for himself and gave them to me, and moreover, brought me some tea.

In 1943, due to our deteriorating financial situation, I had to find a job to help my family. I approached Uzeyir teacher about this, and he helped me secure a position as a prompter at the M. F. Akhundov Opera and Ballet Theatre.

In 1944, a competition was announced to create the national anthem of Azerbaijan. I also participated in the competition. Since the anthem I composed had a heroic spirit, it was published under the title "Victory March".

Uzeyir teacher liked my voice and was very fond of it. He used to say that I could become a better Gulchohre. For this purpose, I took vocal lessons for a long time from our esteemed singer, People’s Artist of the USSR Shovkat Mammadova. In 1944, under the direction and recommendation of the author, I was the first to perform Uzeyir teacher’s anthem at the Philharmonic during a government review. I consider myself fortunate to be the first performer of the Azerbaijani national anthem. It was unusual that the great composer preferred my voice among so many singers.

One day in class, I saw the published work "Jangi" on Uzeyir teacher’s desk and expressed that I liked this piece very much. In response, he said, "Since you like it now, take it; I am gifting it to you", and wrote on the sheet music, "A keepsake from Uzeyir to his young and talented student Shafiga", and gave it to me. I now keep that sheet music as my most valuable memento. During the war years, Uzeyir teacher allocated financial assistance to me and Aghabaji Rzayeva from his own royalties. For many years, thanks to Uzeyir teacher, we were provided with a good scholarship.

I remember that in 1944 we were supposed to attend the Transcaucasian Ten-Day Music Festival. Our clothing also concerned our teacher. One day, Aghabaji and I went to his office. Upon seeing us, he gave instructions to provide us with coats. In addition, orders were given to the atelier to sew suits, and it was even assigned that Shovkat Mammadova would select the style of the suits. And so it happened.

Much can be said about Uzeyir teacher. Everyone revered him, his art, and his nature. He was a true human being and a courageous man. We learned many things from him. His memory will never be erased from our hearts.