A former student recently moved. Before moving, he asked me if I had any students that would welcome his old piano in their home. His old piano became A's new piano, just in time for the holidays and to celebrate one year of piano lessons.
A: "Having a piano in the house has changed our life. Over the holidays, everyone gathered around the piano. Everyone was happy; the kids and adults."
A was thrilled. The piano inspired a new vitality in the home. She played for her friends despite feeling shy and not advanced enough to show off and found that she encouraged them that it's never too late to learn something new or return to something that you left behind in childhood. She has a sweet enthusiasm for learning. It's something I feel very present to every week.
I couldn't have had a better first lesson of the new year. She reminded me of parties during my childhood, the piano was where everyone gathered. If a friend didn't know how to play or sing, the piano was still where people stood to tell a joke or share a story. It was a place where kids and grown ups laughed and cheered together.
My student told me that I was the highlight of her weekly routine. She's one of mine.
JNET