Piano Recitals and their other lessons.......

Student piano recitals-some quiver at the thought-others revel in the memories. I am happy to report that our piano recital was a huge success and a wonderful evening shared by students, families and friends-and-this lovely piano cake made by a mother of a student! And it was scrumptious!

I'm very proud of all of my students, for they have practiced countless hours, worked on their music, come to their lessons and re-worked their music and then had the courage to get up in front of their fellow students, countless family members and friends to present their music.

This year we had a wonderful array of music, everything from folk songs, to rock, blues, boogie woogie, classical, romantic, contemporary, broadway, pop and jazz. There were pieces of music that everyone knew, to surprising arrangements of familiar works, to new pieces of contemporary music. As I peeked at the audience (while keeping one eye on the student's music), I saw parents nodding their heads and tapping their feet to not just their own child's performance, but for all the other students. I think that speaks volumes to how music really does touch the soul, and to the wonderfully compassionate group of people that are a part of my studio.
It is every teachers dream to see the dreams of others fulfilled and for their dreams to be acknowledged by their family and community.

Psychologists say that when young people express themselves through the arts it instills confidence and makes them feel better about themselves. I totally agree with that assessment. But I think there's a lot more involved. I believe that studying music and performing music puts you in touch with your humanity and the humanity of others. It instills compassion for the one who is performing, because we know how nerve racking that experience can be. It instills a sense of community, because we have all come together to witness the courage of others to share their musical endeavors. It instills a yearning for learning as you listen to a new piece of music that you might like to try for yourself, which in turn opens your mind to new experiences.

And finally,it instills acceptance. Even though we may have dropped a note here or there-the applause is just as loud and we can accept ourselves and others for who we really are.

Thank you students and parents for a wonderful year of teaching. I learned a lot from all of you. And as I always say to the parents, it is a privilege to be a piano teacher and to be part of the growth of your children.
With deep gratitude,
Diane