I remember the day that changed the course of my life. It was summertime and I was 10. We were having a picnic on the beach when a family friend asked if we would keep their piano for a year until they moved into their new house. My mother turned to me and said “What do you think? Would you like to learn to play the piano?” I remember the excitement of all that new possibility.

 

I grew up at the piano and started giving lessons to neighbourhood kids when I was still in high school, as I continued my own piano studies. I went on to teach group piano lessons at a small music school and I realised then that this was my path. But not in a group setting. We all learn at our own pace, and I came to love working with my students one on one.

 

Here I am, over twenty years later, and I still love what I do. I have watched my young students grow up and develop skills and reveal incredible talents. I have seen shy young children hit the performance and acting stage in their teenage years with passion and confidence. I watched as little ones outgrew their tiny starter keyboards, graduating to grand pianos and honours certificates. And best of all, I have nurtured wonderful connections with the families that I see each and every week, as I have become a bit of a household fixture in their homes throughout the years. I adore the families I work with and feel so incredibly grateful to have their support and friendship. It is humbling to realise that I have had a part in the growth of these children, not only in music, but in who they are becoming.

 

I hope to be fortunate enough to keep teaching, even when I turn old and grey. I get to play all day, and play keeps us young! For all of the wonderful people I have connected with and all of the new ones yet to come, I thank you... whole-heartedly.