Learning to play the piano opens many musical doors.
Many play solo, but many others collaborate with other soloists or in small or large groups. And others compose or arrange or learn other instruments or direct choirs or bands or orchestras or become sound engineers or teachers. I’ve had students who were kind of waiting to quit who then found a use for it outside of lessons, such as playing piano/keyboard in their church’s youth worship band or doing a UIL solo with a band friend at School.
I try to make the process of learning fun, rewarding and effective, and to take into account their perspective and preferences, so the chances will be best that they will keep going until the right door opens for them.
For almost everyone, eventually a door will open and when they look in, they’ll be moved to stay awhile.
Shakira performing Allegro Barbaro by Bartok at the Spring Recital.
Below, Quan performing Waltz in E Minor by Chopin at the Spring Recital
Below, Quan performing Waltz in E Minor by Chopin at the Spring Recital
Two pianos at once at the CCMTA Piano Duo-Concerto Festival
Above, Kevin Guess playing keyboard and directing the band for the Lone Star College North Harris Theater Department production of Godspell,
Below, the CCMTA High School Convention Ensemble, (viola, bassoon, piano ensemble (3 primo, 5 secondo) directed by Kevin Guess, performing his piece, Hey Ya Hey, in a video made for the TMTA Convention. To watch the video, go toHey Ya Hey.
Many thanks to Dorothy Kirkpatrick for having 3 grand pianos in her studio and for letting us use them!