Visit from former student

As you know, I have always enjoyed visits from former students, hearing about their lives-musical and non-musical.  Five days ago Kenny M., who now lives in Seattle, stopped by and brought smiles to this piano teacher.  Kenny's stature has gone up, at the same time his voice has gone down.  What a delight it was to hear about his school activities, which are heavily weighted toward music.  Kenny has learned to play many instruments (I lost count after 6), but still plays the piano.  And he still is a wonderful kid (though soon I'll have to say "young man").

So all you students and parents, please keep me in the loop; you are part of my musical family!

Pianos in the Pantry

Congratulations June recital students.  Not only was the music you played varied, performance level, audience grabbing, and well, musical; you collected 72 items for the Alameda Community Food Bank.  Already we have surpassed our 2015 goal of 88 donations (one for each key on the piano).

Kids and Keyboards at the Library

The West End Library has asked me to present a program on playing the piano and learning basic concepts of music.  Come Thursday, Jan. 8 at 3:30 for a short hands-on lecture where I will have several electronic keyboards for audience members to play.

What a winning combination-library, kids and music!  I'm in heaven.

It Was a Very Good Year

Farewell 2014, what a lovely year in the studio.

December, not surprisingly, was a busy time.  Our December 5th recital netted so many donations for the Alameda Food Bank that we surpased our goal of 88!  (One for each of the keys on the keyboard)  Thank you to everyone who helped hungry families in our community.  Let's aim for another 88 in 2015.  A special thanks to our adult student Audrey E., who brought us a huge bag of groceries and put us over the top.

The Alameda Home Tour on Dec. 13,  which raises money for Alameda Family Services, asked us again to play holiday music at their Holiday Boutique at the Elks Club.  Check out the photos in the studio of Regina W., Teddy S., Meilin B., and Jennifer K. playing for this event.  I hope ALL of you played the piano for family and friends, live holiday music is so appreciated, and so much fun to play!

Finally, Teddy S., Meilin B., and Jennifer K. contributed seasonal background music for a holiday performance at Maya Lin School.  As several hundred families were waiting for their kindergartners and first graders to take the stage, these students played with aplomb.  Thank you so much.

Welcome New Year, and let me know if YOU are interested in playing outside of the studio.