FRIENDS IN CANADA  AND BEYOND!

Can something on Instagram change your life?  The answer is yes. Take a few moments to learn about Pianolessonsvancouver and Lauren Kelly

I have commented before about social media, and how I am somewhere between a lot and a little with respoect to usage.  I have an Instagram account, and quite honestly, I like to follow musicians, and specifically pianists.  In my scouting adventure, I found the Instagram site called Pianolessonsvancouver starring Lauren Kelly, a piano teacher from Vancouver, Canada. 

Having grown up in northwest Detroit, Michigan, we lived in close proximity to Canada, and went there to attend the Stratford Festival, and occasionally to vacation.  There is simply something wonderful about citizens of Canada, notably their kindness, incredible intelligence, and a strong national pride.  Also, in various work positions I had in Michigan, on my way to becoming an attorney,  I often met people from Windsor, Ontario Canada.  I learned so much about Canada, and the people who make up this incredible country, yes, our allies and our friends.

However, I digress, and now back to Lauren Kelly.  When I first followed her site, I saw a committed piano teacher.  Ms. Kelly always puts videos of her piano studio students on her page.  And many of her students are so accomplished.  Whether they are in their first or second year of piano repertoire, I simply notice, the love she instills in them, for learning a piece, and taking that piece to performance level.  I am comforted in knowing that many of the works played by her students, are also works that I learned as a young pianist starting at age 6.  It is so much fun to watch a student get to the finish line, and I find myself saying "job well done, Bravo!"

Lauren Kelly manages to instill in her young students a desire to play with real musicality, as well as a strength of conviction about their ability.  I don't know if she says this, but I would like to think that Lauren convinces her students of that "you can do this" feeling with every piece they perform.  There is such an excitement in watching her Instagram posts or reels.

One other incredible inspiration, is when she posts reels of recitals, the performances are held at the Loewen Piano House in Richmond, British Columbia.  Her students play on an incredible Kawai grand, which I think is 9 feet long.  So amazing.  And in the performance hall there is a mural on stage of Franz Schubert playing his impromptus Opus 90.  I add that I have these impromptus in my Alfred Masterwork Edition, which has the same picture as the mural on the Loewen performance stage.  It is breathtaking, and frankly, it should inspire any pianist who ends up on that stage.  That stage even by an Instagram post, takes a bit of my breath away.

At age 70, I am a long playing amateur pianist.  I have taken lessons over the years and I have had 7 piano teachers.  Right now, I am just happy to be playing, learning new popular songs, reviewing past piano accomplishments and realizing that the gift my parents gave me-piano lessons, has saved me over and over again.  I also play occasionally at my mother-in-law's assisted living facility.

Back to Pianolessonsvancouver, I can only add that Lauren Kelly is making a difference.  My favorite quote about the piano, and one made up by me is "Changing Hearts and Minds one note at a time!"  And I hope Lauren continues to teach in such a positive way, that will make her students want to continue playing for a life time.  Not every student will become a professional musician, but she is creating a plan to keep the piano and its music in her students' lives.  I think she is doing a fantastic job!  And there is more to come if you follow her amazing Instagram site. Bravo Lauren Kelly!!!

 

Pianos - What’s happening folks!!!

 It’s been over three years since I have posted in my blog FocusedHour88Keys.  I decided it was time to jump back in and focus on my favorite instrument, as well as a lifetime of committing to playing the piano  capably and with great musicality!

So, I am 67 years old and my first piano was a small Baldwin spinet- an Acrosonic.   My Dad received a promotion at the bank where he was a real estate attorney.  So, he knew how much my mom wanted a piano and he bought her one.  I can still remember the day the piano was delivered.  My mom was at the corner of our street Vaughan in NW Detroit, and I remember her screaming. “Run Rosemary run we just got a piano.”  I was walking with my childhood friend Mark James, and I turned to him and said something like “I’ve got to go!”  And off I went.   

My mom took piano lessons first, but eventually it was I who raised my hand, when my dad asked “who wants to take piano lessons?”  It was the start of my musical journey….and helped me to create my piano motto - Changing hearts and minds one note at a time.   Whatever your reason for playing the piano, come up with a statement that holds you accountable to practicing, playing and even performing.

But I digress.   I am a social media person to an extent, and I find myself perusing my Facebook page, for several reasons.  I like to see pictures of my adult children, on vacation, with their friends, or even their posting of humorous anecdotes.  I also have a judge colleague, who posts loads of interesting things about history, as well as fun family vacations.  I love to post about my home town of Detroit, my favorite musicians, and interesting stories, about historical figures.  

Facebook, also has groups particularly community Buy Sell and Trade pages.  Here, people put their items on the page to sell—-It’s an interesting approach to the old fashioned garage or tag sale.  The concern I have is that folks put pianos up for sale  on the site.   And they sell these instruments for $1.00 or $5.00.  The pianos are beautiful spinets with a history and a story. Shouldn’t these pianos become part of a school music department where they can be used by students to become better musicians?

I have friends who often tell me, I bought my child a keyboard, then I I don’t have to tune a piano.  Really?  How can a keyboard replace a real live piano?  It can’t and don’t lull yourself into the the thought process that it can.     The touch and feel of a real piano, the sound, the craftsmanship, well there is nothing like it in the world. 

I even suggest that if you want a real piano, go on one of these Facebook Buy Sell Trade pages, and buy one of these instruments for cheap.  Then turn around and contact your local piano tuner guild, find a tuner, and get it tuned.  It might require having the tuner coming back a couple of times in a year, to bring the piano to an amazing place .  But I guarantee this will work.  Be part of this piano’s story.  This piano could change your life!  We all want to change hearts and minds one note at a time.   And here is a way to start!

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Broken again-but it is only my finger

 So in my last post from September 2020, I spoke about breaking my left wrist-my dominant hand, and the challenges it would present for playing the piano.  Well, on January 20, 2021 -yes Inauguration Day in the States, I headed to our condo club house gym to use the elliptical and treadmill.   Having recovered mostly from my wrist injury, I though it would be good to get back into the exercise routine.   Well, as luck would have it, I got on the treadmill, and pressed the speed up button.  It was a treadmill I was unfamiliar with, in terms of exercise equipment.  I couldn’t get the machine to stop and end up rolling off of it, injuring my right index finger.   It was bleeding between my first and second finger, and I thought, well-I don’t think it was broken.

My husband was with me, and we headed to the emergency room.  And yes it was in fact broken, a minor break, but nevertheless broken.  I could only think....here we go again, doctor visits, splints, bandage wraps and alas, playing the piano on hold.

After I spent some time in the ER I left there with my finger in a splint, and the directive, to see my hand and wrist surgeon Dr. Marlo Van Steyn.   Interestingly, when I met with Dr. VanSteyn, she kindly told me that my finger break could have been a lot worse.  And that I was lucky.  I also got the impression that she didn’t put much stock in treadmills, and though she didn’t exactly say that, I made a decision then and there, that walking, the elliptical, and swimming would be the order of the day going forward.

I have to put in a bit of kudos to Dr. Van Steyn.  First and foremost, she is one of the kindest doctors I have ever met.  When you are sixty five and a hand surgeon tells you -“you have beautiful hands” you automatically start to feel better.  I wanted to say hey Dr. Marlo, I have handled paper, paper clips, staples, cleaning products, and all kinds of cooking utensils for over 30 years, and let me tell you, you can’t mean me.

She also made me realize that I could conquer the injury to my finger, and get back to a good degree of normal.  She also renewed my personal belief that one must always protect their hands.   I think that goes back to 7th grade at OE Dunckel Junior High in Farmington Hills, Michigan, when I received a D in gym for our volley ball unit.  I told my gym teacher that I was not playing volley ball, simply because I had to protect my hands, in case I became a concert pianist.   I am sure my gym teacher thought I was a kook, but here is the thing, I had a such good grades in my other subjects.  And I was able to weather the storm of a D in volleyball, for the sake of the piano.  Hurray.

I have also learned that if you believe in your physician, and she or he believes in you, you can accomplish just about anything.   Dr. Van Steyn ended up sending me to hand therapy and it is improving flexibility in my left wrist, and stiffness and mobility in my right finger.  And my hand therapist is strengthening my grip, which is sadly needed at my age.  So if your physician suggests therapy, don’t scoff and say to yourself, “self I really don’t need to do this,” because you probably do need it.

I add, hand and wrist therapy is occupational therapy and my therapist is on task and all business.  When you work hard and do your homework, you get a well deserved “congratulations.”  I also learned from Tammi Hartshorn, that she was at the Orthopedic One facility here in Columbus, Ohio, because she wanted to work with Dr. Marlo Van Steyn.  That was reassuring, because I know that they are working together, to make my hand and wrist better.   They both make an amazing team!!

There are loads of crazy hand and wrist therapy exercises.  Squeezing a tennis ball in different positions, rolling large glass marbles in your hands, and my all time favorite, rolling a tennis ball round and round a plastic plate or frisbee, to increase wrist mobility.  Every exercise, has a specific reason to do it.  And I have learned that if you do the exercises, results come, and they are generally good.

There is also the “grip measures” where you can find out if you are increasing your grip strength.  My grip strength is getting better, although incrementally.  And honestly, when you are in a hand, wrist, arm and shoulder therapy room, you look around and realize—-count your blessings.  A lot of folks have a lot worse crap than moi.  So again, one more reason not to whine.

So, I’m back to practicing.  There are still some pieces, that are taking a back seat for the moment.  But, I am discovering there is a lot of playing I can still handle reasonably well.  One must take a tortoise approach when playing a musical instrument after an injury, and I have always subscribed to the theory that slow and steady does win the race.

More piano adventures to come!

Broken but determined

 So Sunday September 6th, 2020 added some excitement to the Labor Day weekend.  A couple of our friends stopped by with an outdoor pizza, as we really haven’t seen many friends in months.  We just moved to a new condo development, and decided to take our pals down the street to look at a new patio home model that was under construction. 

Walking back to our condo, I cleverly tripped on a small rock, fell, and tried to break my fall with my left hand, which is in fact, my dominant hand.  Wrong move.  I could feel my wrist swelling as I got up from my slow motion fall, and what went through my mind was....piano playing is going down the tubes.

As luck would have it, our new patio home is close to the local urgent care/emergency room.  Since I don’t have a medical background, I decided a trip to the ER was warranted.  It must have been far too early when we arrived at the Urgent Care, as the place was basically empty.  They took xrays and determined I did in fact have a hairline fracture of my left wrist.  There is nothing like bandaging by a medical professional, and I left the place with a very white ace bandage, almost to the tips of my fingers.

On the way home I started to think about what I wouldn’t and couldn’t be doing over the next 6 weeks.  When it is your dominant hand it is always a bit daunting.  I add I am full on left handed, and cannot do much of anything with my right.   And after a visit to the local hand surgeon, it looks like I was looking at 6-8 weeks of inconvenience.   I don’t know, it is in my nature to cry, particularly, when I am not thinking clearly and can’t seem to find an initial way out of things.  But as head of the national crying committee, crying doesn’t take one very far...and honestly you can wreck your eye make up.

But when I got past those feelings, and realized I had already had two foot casts for bunion surgeries more than 10 years ago, I knew in my mind I would find a way.  In a pandemic world I rely on all my hobbies to see me through.  I am just a piano playing fool, and realized that a cast on my left hand is going to take away time from working on my new play list for a time, until playing at the Ohio State James Cancer Hospital will resume.  I also love to create through needlepoint, and I think for now, I am putting that on hold.  You can needlepoint with one hand, but I like needlepointing with two.  

So in thinking ahead, I decided that when my amazing piano tuner arrived for my 6 month tuning of my beautiful grand piano, I was at least preparing for the day when I would play again.  In fact, Mark Ritchie, decided that now was as good as time as any to pull the “action” out of the piano, and take it with him, so he could file the felt hammers, and generally get this amazing instrument in even better shape.  I bought my piano in 2002, and I have always been committed to tuning my piano twice a year.  If you care about the piano, you want the sound to be perfect.  There is nothing more horrible than playing on an untuned piano.   And there is nothing better than playing even the simplest of exercises on a piano that sounds great.

Mark Ritchie, is an incredibly knowledgeable piano tuner and piano restorer.  He has the confidence of many long time customers as well as the confidence of various local Central Ohio school systems.  He takes this artistic craft seriously, and appreciates that even amateur pianists like me, are willing to commit to excellence.  So if you need a tune up- message me if you are in the Central Ohio area, and I will send you his number.

So without my piano action/piano keys, my piano sits in our new house, as a reminder, that music is what makes this family, this home, this house Better, everyday.  I’ve blogged before about the piano symbolizing possibilities, and in this pandemic world I know I need all the possibilities I can get right now.

Interestingly, Mark Ritchie, is actually going to do some work on the action, that will voice the piano down a little.  We have a great room with an adjoining den, and the piano is in the beautiful den space.  With our wood floors, the sound is almost a bit too big, so, some professional work on my instrument might really make a difference.

For now I put piano lessons on hold.  But Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, ever the optimist, scanned and emailed some piano pieces to me for the right hand only.  Suzanne was a student of the great Leon Fleisher at Peabody, and he had a neurological  condition in 1964, when he lost the use of his right hand.  It was diagnosed as focal dystonia  forcing him to focus on the repertoire for the left hand, including Ravel’s Piano Concert for the Left Hand.   And in 2004, he played the world premier of Paul Hindemith’s Klavier music, a piano concerto for the left hand.    See Wikipedia notes on Leon Fleisher.

Just reading this about Maestro Fleisher, gives me hope, and I hope any pianist with an injury, hope.  He could have pulled back, and given up, but from what Dr. Newcomb tells me, he never did.  Isn’t that one of the points about any artistic endeavor, not giving up on creativity, not giving up on playing the piano, not giving up on drawing, not giving up on painting, not giving up on dance, or not giving up on cross stitch, needlepoint, knitting ever.  The story of Leon Fleisher and this set back for him is in part about not giving up on whatever feeds your soul.

So I am still whining, I’m still saying a Charlie Brown “aaaaargh,” but like a lot of other things that don’t go my way, when I take the necessary pause, I usually try to find a way.

So, re grouping, at 64, I would like to think I can always get better at it.  And I should have this cast off  in time to start working on my Christmas music sets.  Aaaaargh!!!!

30th Birthday Tribute to our own Sarah Pomeroy

 August 19, 2020

It's Sarah Catherine Pomeroy's birthday today!  Thirty years of our amazing daughter!   Sarah has played the piano since she has been about 6 years old.   She can play classical, Broadway show tunes, and most importantly she can play jazz.  One of Sarah's favorite pieces of music is Take Five by Dave Brubeck.  I have thought over the last few days, about how that piece of music correlates with her life.

 

First and foremost, Take Five is in 5/4 time.  Paul Desmond who was Brubeck's alto saxophonist wrote this amazing song, in the unusual 5/4 meter.  It sets the song apart from other jazz standards.   Almost everyone knows how Take Five begins, and if you don't, as soon as the left hand starts, you will know.  Just as that 5/4-time meter sets the song apart, the rhythm of Sarah's life sets her apart.  In the past 30 years, Sarah has internalized her own particular beat, and marches to it, loving us and Michael and standing by her many wonderful friends.

 

Jazz music, has the ability to calm folks down, and gives most of us a chance to focus on the actual music.   Sarah is simply like jazz.  She can calm her crazy anxious mom down, and also has the ability to make friends and family feel at ease.  In that way her family and friends can focus on a particular issue, a funny story, or any of the other exciting things going on in her life.  

 

Take Five as envisioned by Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond is about collaboration!  And our own Sarah Pomeroy is also about being collaborative.  She has been bringing friends together, since her marching band days at Watterson.  She never neglected her Watte high posse, which is incredible.  At Michigan State, she managed to forge amazing friendships, and marched to her own person beat, befriending professors, students and marching right to the Presidency of the Michigan State University Residence Hall Association.   And always listening to her own beat, with grace, and good humor.

 

Moritz College of Law was where she shook things up, just the way the song Take Five did.  She managed to live at home with the folks, while still studying her derriere off, and being part of a wide variety of law school activities.  Sar has so many cherished friends from law school, and we got a glimpse of those relationships, when various law pals would pass through chez Heischman.

 

Sarah began her career as an associate at Jones Day in Washington DC.  Again, she found her rhythm there, and again forged wonderful friendships.  But she knew that her real beat, the pulse on which she moves through life was in public service.  So, she came back to Columbus and is currently working with the City Attorney in the Zone Initiative group.    Often in jazz there are solos, but in the case of her current job, she is part of an amazing collaborative team with wonderful young lawyers. at the Zone Initiative, and I have never seen her happier professionally than she is right now.  She is also collaborating with wonderful friends who are part of the New Leaders Council – NLC.

 

So, on her 30th birthday, I think I can say what many critics have said about Take Five....it is a joy.  That aptly describes what Mark, moi and Michael think about Sarah – yes, she's an absolute joy.  Thanks for taking care of Michael like the wonderful big sister you are.  And thanks for sharing your views and thoughts on everything Sar.  Happy birthday Sarah Catherine Pomeroy.  Thanks for being a wonderful daughter and sister, and making our lives absolutely so much fun!

 

Love Mom Dad and Michael

 

 

 

 

Musically speaking during the pandemic

So folks, what does the amateur pianist do during the pandemic?  Well folks, the amateur pianist plays.  Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, yes folks, she has a doctorate from Peabody Institute of The John Hopkins University, is one of the leaders in piano for the adult student.  Here in Central Ohio, that means that she has Adult Student Fridays.  You can sign up for a lesson, whether it is one, two or even more lessons a month.  This allows the adult piano students the flexibility that they need.   Sometimes, weekly lessons as an adult student can be a tall order, so with this arrangement, you can take the lessons, to meet your needs.

I took some time off from lessons to downsize our home and move to a condo.   That is a spectacular feat, within the throngs of a pandemic.  However, I can say that my trusty husband and I actually did it.     We moved during a pandemic, crazy but true.  The lessons and the work required to have a good lesson take me away from the constant unpacking and organizing and I am grateful.

Right now, I am working on several piano issues.  The first is use of the pedal.  I come from the amateur view, that I can simply depress the damper pedal, and consequently get through any piece with flying colors.   Well folks, that is an incorrect assumption, on the part of any student of piano.  So to correct my pedaling issues, I am working on a book of Pedal Preludes by Samuel Maykapar.  Born in Russia on December 18, 1867 and passing away on May 8, 1938, Maestro Maykapar saw a need for progressive training in pedaling, and I think this book of preludes fits the bill.  The book is critical in that each prelude contains a note on the pedal’s role in the prelude.  For folks like me, it has been helpful, and secretly, I add that I need to read the note first and then play.

I’m also working on a book of Nocturnes by Dennis Alexander.  The nocturnes are from early intermediate to late intermediate stage, and, I think they capture the magic of Nocturnes especially when one thinks of the Nocturnes of Frederic Chopin.  I have learned several Chopin nocturnes, and albeit, Mr. Alexander’s Nocturnes seem easier, I think they will help when I return to the nocturnes of Chopin.

I am also an avid fan of the Sonata format and I am currently working on the Sonate Opus 26, Number 3 by this incredible composer.  In all the time I have read about Muzio Clementi, I am most intrigued by his influence on Beethoven, Chopin and Czerny.  This sonata is beautiful, and not too long.    So for the amateur, one can feel like they are accomplishing something, musically.

I always have a secret popular piece to work on, just to branch away from the classical music genre.  Usually the piece is not one I take to my teacher, but something that allows me to break away from the lesson list, with a piece that intrigues me.  The latest piece falling under this category is a jazz piece called My Baby Just Cares for Me.  This is a 1930 jazz standard by Walter Donaldson.  Nina Simone has been referred to as the high priestess of soul, and she her rendition of My Baby Just Cares for Me, is well, incredible.   In fact, on YouTube.com there is a claymation cartoon of her singing this jazz classic.

I can play it very slowly, and honestly, the piece if I get it close to the marked speed is simply a dream.  The dream is always the same, I’m in a dark jazz piano lounge, wearing black velvet, with an alcohol free chocolate martini, at a 9 foot black Steinway, playing this song, and with an amazing singer.  In fact, I have the singer in mind, Faith Maupin from our own St. Peter Choir.  It is just a pipe dream, but the pipe dream is always about possibilities, and I never want to be in a place where I don’t think about the possibilities in life.

So that is at least at this time, my pandemic music activity.  I also recorded the piano accompaniment for a zoom choir song, that we will be putting together in the next week or so, so musically I manage to find a way.  I hope you step back into your musical journey soon, meaning today.

Rest in Peace Ellis Marsalis

During the Covid-19 crisis, about three weeks ago, I awoke to the news that Ellis Marsalis had passed away.  He was Wynton Marsalis' father, and a skilled jazz pianist in his own right.

Often, when I think about musicians I love, such as Wynton, I often wonder what their background was, and whether their parents or siblings had the gift of musicianship.   I discovered that Wynton's Dad, Ellis Marsalis was a jazz pianist in his own right, and taught piano to many jazz musicians.   In fact, one of his pupils was the pianist Harry Connick Junior.

Twenty plus years ago, I happened to be in Borders Books Store, perusing the wide selection of CDs they had in one section of the store.  I found myself in the jazz CDs and noticed a CD cover with Wynton and Ellis Marsalis.  The CD was Volume 3 The Standards, Resolution of Romance.  I flipped over to the back cover, and realized that the songs listed, were ones that my mother sang, and listened to, particularly when she was cleaning around the house. 

Jazz standards are musical compositions that are an important part of the musical repertoire of jazz musicians, in that they are widely known, performed, and recorded by jazz musicians.  And they are songs that are widely known by listeners.  I always think about the beautiful ballad Time After Time as a classic jazz standard.  Written in 1947 by Sammy Cahn on lyrics and music by Jules Styne, it has been recorded and performed by so many jazz musicians   I particularly like two versions, one by the singer Ella Fitzgerald and the other by the singer Tony Bennett.

So, when I saw the CD with Standards in the title, I thought, I need to buy this one!    I learned after my purchase, what a gifted musician, Ellis Marsalis was, and the great musical influence he had on Wynton, and his other sons Branford, Delfeayo, Jason, Mboya, and Ellis III.

Take a look at this quick and wonderful summary of Ellis Marsalis.  I think the article touches on Ellis as a husband, father, teacher and musician.  https://apnews.com/571a69e03af0a78dbc5d0899ad156270

One of the things that touched me in the article link was when sons Ellis III and Delfeayo went to see their father play in a club.  At the second set, there was only one man listening, but he was sleeping and drunk.   Ellis III asked his father why he was continuing to play for an audience of one.  Ellis responded that he was being paid to play a set, and he was going to stay and play, even if that man was the only person there.   Ellis III told the article's author, that he learned that first lesson about integrity from his father.

It made me think about when I play at the James, sometimes, there may only be one person sitting in that area of the lobby.   I often say to myself, this listener took the time to sit down and listen to me play, and I am going to give that listener, the best quality I can, in part because I committed to do so.  It made me feel good to read that about Ellis Marsalis.  Let's get real folks, musicians, both professional and amateur, we play our instrument or sing because we absolutely love it.    We want to share the music that is in each of us.  My mantra has always been changing hearts and minds one note at a time.  This story reminds me that, this is exact what Ellis Marsalis was doing.

Ellis Marsalis had a great influence on the musicians of New Orleans.  As a teacher, he spent his time and energy teaching students to play his kind of music.  And the musical world is better for the knowledge he imparted, as a teacher and fellow musician.

Many lives are being lost during this Covid-19 crisis.  Ellis Marsalis is one of the examples of the gems of this world who are lost to us.  But, we have his music, and we will listen, and be inspired.   And if you want to carry the inspiration with you, get that Standards CD, or download it, and experience the amazing Ellis Marsalis for yourself.

Rest in Peace Ellis Marsalis.  It is a continuing honor to listen to your music......one of the best!

Piano during the pandemic

In my 64 years, I never quite imagined a time like the one we are having right now.  I live in the Central Ohio area, near Columbus, and our Governor Mike DeWine, just issued a 15 day stay at home order.  I don't think it will be simply for 15 days, so I am starting to look around my home, and determine how I will spend my time.

I have written before in this blog, about my beloved grand piano and how it has saved me and will save me in the months ahead.  The piano to me means possibility.  First, and foremost, I am taking lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, and she is using i-pads and i-phones to give on line lessons.  Honestly, my first thought was "I don't think this can work."  But when I really stop to think about it, these technologies are providing a way to connect.    And connect I will. 

I have also thought of borrowing my mother-in -law's key board when the weather gets better, and heading out to the front porch to put on an outdoor concert for anyone who will listen.  I think it is possible for neighbors to hear some tunes and still maintain their 6 feet of obligatory distance.

I have been playing once a month at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and right now all visitors are stopped from entering the hospital.  So music at the James through the Heather Pick Music Program appears to be on hold.  So again, when the weather gets better, I may simply head outside and give the naybors a small element of relief.   There was a recent story on the Today Show, where two young cellists right here in Columbus Ohio, entertained a neighbor sheltering in place on her front porch.

I have also thought about, the music I would like to learn, and now perhaps I have the time to learn it.   I don't want to give up on a Bach Prelude or even another Mozart Sonata.   I have some challenges right now in my practice efforts, working on use of the pedal and rhythm in duets.  However, I keep thinking now is the time to choose something bold, and really learn it.  Then I have my moments where I don't feel bold, but I feel scared, nervous, and even a little bit cray cray as my adult children like to say. 

And for my blog followers, if you have a wide variety of popular or lounge lizard music, as I like to call it....perhaps now is the time to work on some of the measures in those songs that you have been meaning to break down, but you let them get away.  Here is your chance amateur pianists of the world....Be bold, be big and dig in.   Which makes me think I could work more on the use of grace notes instead of ignoring them, as I often like to do. 

Looking ahead to beyond isolation, I think, wow perhaps it is the time to organize a concert of amateur pianists.  Perhaps we can play for a cause.  One near and dear to my heart right now, is my daughter's organization New Leaders Council here in Columbus, Ohio   These wonderful young people are part of a national organization that recruits, trains and promotes a rising generation of progressive leaders.    I've also considered a fund raiser recital for local artists, or an organization assisting foster youth aging out of that population.   I don't know, but simply because I'm isolated I don't plan to stop dreaming ever! 

So when you play your piano, thank your parents if they decided You should take piano lessons.  Piano lesson are one more tool in the parental arsenal to expand your children's horizons, open their possibilities.  Also, if you have a piano, and want to take lessons, explore in this challenging time a teacher who may be willing to teach you remotely.  Again, this is a time of being bold.  perhaps Winston Churchill's words must be taken to heart, "never give up, never give up, never give up."  There is some boldness for you.

Think of the music, scales, exercises, waltzes, nocturnes, preludes, lounge lizard songs.  You can play and you must play.  You as an amateur pianist can change hearts and minds one note at a time!!!

The Pedal!

It has been a while since I have taken the time to blog about my beloved instrument.  Today I hope to focus on one of my issues in my piano journey, use of the pedal.  Pedal markings are diagrammed in most pieces, but often I think the average student simply ignores these keys to better pedaling. 

The amateur student often approaches pedaling with this thought, "I can figure it out on my own."  Since I have used this approach, and not had much success, I believe that one should be prudent and frankly "trust the professionals."  In creating my own pedal approach, I am basically ignoring the intent and let's just say the will of the composer.  On some level, it simply seems wrong.

So in taking lessons from the incredible Dr. Suzanne Newcomb,  I have learned that she is not afraid to confront a student's issues.  Dr. Newcomb determined that I needed help in the pedal department, and assigned a book of music entitled Pedal Preludes by Samuel Maykapar. 

Mr. Makapar was born on December 18, 1867 in Kherson, Russia.  He created many books of compositions in miniature form,  for the committed student, and again, the special exercises for pedaling.  Maestro Makapar even wrote an autobiographical book entitled The Years of Study and of Musical Activity.  I'm sure it is insightful.  In fact, I wonder what it would be like if hundreds of piano students wrote the same type of autobiography.  Would we change the hearts and minds of piano students for the better?  I like to think we would, if we in fact took pen to paper and described our years of study. 

The Pedal Preludes book gives an excellent description of the pedals of the piano and the use of the rhythmic and delayed pedal.  The book also describes the left pedal that decreases sound volume and the infamous middle pedal, often found on many grand pianos.  Even if you think you know the purpose of the various pedals on your piano, it never hurts to review the basics.

There are 19 pedal etudes, and interesting, number 10 is missing.  Perhaps Mr. Maykapar had an aversion to the number 10.  There is no explanation in the book as to why the number is 10 is not listed. 

The last few pages of the book has notes on each of the various preludes, and what the composer wanted a student to accomplish while learning the piece.  So if you leave a lesson and have questions about one of the preludes, a student can at least look back at the notes and review the objective that is trying to be achieved.

When I was a young piano student, I simply wanted to depress the right pedal, or the one that operates the dampers.  I felt that by using the right pedal, I could simply create a larger and grander sound.  In the Pedal Prelude book, the editor indicates "The right pedal influences sound in several ways:
the duration of sound after the key is released
fusion of sounds produced while the pedal is depressed
magnification of sound
enrichment of tone color."

I think what I loved starting out as a piano student was that the right pedal continued the sound of the chords and notes I loved, even after the keys were released.  And I felt that by using the right pedal, I was farther along in my competency than I truly was at the time.

The left pedal decreases the volume of sound.  When you grow up with two brothers, I often relied on the left pedal to quiet the sounds of tedious scales and Czerny exercises, I was trying to "get right."  As I grew up, I often thought that if I lived in a small apartment in New York City, I would need to make judicious use of the left pedal.  The left pedal did result in a good compromise for my brothers who weren't interested in the classical music of exercises inventions and sonatas. 

In the Pedal Preludes notes, I learned that the use of the left pedal is indicated by the words Una corda which is Italian for one string.  I have seen this indication often in classical music, but it is good to be reminded of what it means, and how it will enhance my playing of a beautiful piece of music.

This little book is still in print, and if you are looking for a primer on pedaling technique,Pedal Preludes might be a good place to start.  Don't be intimidated by the pedaling process.  Instead use this interesting little book, to take on the challenge of pedaling.  You will be a better pianist from making the effort. 

The music of Michigan State University

I will digress from my usual piano focus, to music pure and simple.   With serious sport/college administration scandals, it has been tough to be a Michigan State Spartan.  But it is in the music of my beloved campus, that I can take heart, because the music of Michigan State is the heart of this incredible university.

Well folks, it’s football season in Columbus, Ohio, but alas, I am a Michigan State Spartan.  Big Ten football aside, I think back to my college days with a great many fond memories.  Beyond the sports, and intellectually stimulating classes, I find myself thinking back to the music that is Michigan State University.

I have always been a musical person.  I play the piano, I sing in my church choir, and I serve on the board of Chamber Music Columbus.  Music is in my heart and my soul.  When football season rolls around, it is the music of Michigan State that draws me back to East Lansing, Michigan.

I still believe Michigan State has the most beautiful campus in the Big Ten, and well, in the world.  The changing seasons, the greenery, the Red Cedar River, I could go on, but as many Spartans like to say when remembering MSU, “the Michigan State campus captured my heart.”

First and foremost, I lived in the West Circle area of campus.  Back in the 1970’s, it was simply referred to as the Virgin Isles, because the dorms were housing solely for girls.  During my Landon Hall days, I had the good fortune of living across the street from the practice field for the Spartan Marching band.  As Buckeyes know all too well, there is nothing like the stirring music of a college band practicing during football season.  I often heard a first run of the band’s half time show.  Even in my worst days of intro to accounting or statistics 315, the Spartan Marching Band, and its amazing drum line could change my outlook, like nothing else in this world.  And on those dreary November days, when you knew a Michigan winter was coming, the Spartan Marching Band could simply take you away from the impending Michigan winter chill, and the hard studying awaiting you back in your dorm.

My junior year dorm, Mary Mayo Hall, was also in West Circle, and very close to the School of Music.  On many of my walks back from Economic Business History, on the far southern part of campus, I could hear incredible music coming from those hallowed halls.  I listened to voice majors working on an operatic aria, or even individual instrumental students, practicing a scale or a difficult passage in the music school court yard.  It made me almost a bit envious, because these amazing students had the courage to pursue their musical passion.  I had dreamed about a career as a professional musician in terms of my piano studies, but simply didn’t have the guts to give it a try.

 

My college roommate’s sister was a voice major, and she managed to convince me and my roommates, on several occasions to attend her recitals and those of her friends.  It was our good fortune to be at her senior recital, and she gave an incredible recital of operatic arias in Italian and German. 

In all the dorms of West Circle, there was always music.  So many music majors lived in these dorms, that you could hear kids playing in the lobby every day.  I am an amateur pianist, and it was often challenging to get to the piano on Friday afternoons, because someone without Friday afternoon classes beat me to it.

The West Circle area of campus, was also home to the beautiful Beaumont Bell Tower.  The Tower was built in 1928.  The incredible carillon tower, filled the north end of campus, with beautiful hymns and other familiar choral works.  When it was snowing on campus, and you simply didn't feel like you could walk another step, the familiar music of the carillon tower, reminded you it was only a few more weeks or months until spring time was coming to Michigan State.  

Legend has it that Michigan State students aren’t officially Spartans until they share a midnight kiss beneath the 104-foot-tall structure.  I found out about that legend long after I graduated in 1977, unfortunately.  Yet, I still believe that the Beaumont Tower is a musical inspiration for generations of Spartans too come.

The music of Michigan State also carried me through on most Sundays to the Michigan State University St. John Student Parish.  Most Sundays, I could be found at 10:00 a.m. Mass, for an incredible Eucharistic celebration accompanied by beautiful church music, both traditional and contemporary.  Sometimes in the church pew, I would say to myself, this….is the last place I want to be.  But the music often reaffirmed my faith, and changed my point of view for another week of classes and work. 

Yes, music was the connecting thread during my Michigan State days.  Whenever I look back at my college years, I can still hear our fight song, and strong beat of the Michigan State Marching band drum line.  I can still hear music students, practicing, with the hope of changing the lives of all who want music to be a part of their life.  And I can still feel the music, as I walked across campus in a beautiful snow storm, knowing that the music would carry me on my educational journey to the next chapter in my life.  Yes the campus and its music captured my heart!  Go green!

Playing in the lobby - more thoughts on the James Cancer Hospital

I have posted about playing at the Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital a few posts ago, but I decided to circle back with some additional thoughts.

So what have I learned from playing at the James?  First and foremost, I have learned that for the most part I have good health.  From the piano bench, I have seen a lot, particularly cancer patients, lots of them, fighting their individual health challenges with great courage and dignity.    I have seen family members, wheeling their loved ones in the lobby, simply trying to have a few better moments, than the moments they are facing on the other hospital floors.  I have seen physicians, so many physicians, in full on scrubs, white coats, and even the little head coverings, meaning they probably just finished a surgery.  I have seen med students and nurses, hundreds of them, moving quickly often
picking up a lunch, eating on the go, and on the way to the next  breakthrough, exam or family meeting.  And I have seen volunteers, yes, people giving of their time in a small way, to make a difference for the patients and families fighting cancer.

From the piano bench, it is easy to get lost in the music.  I hope I know this well enough.  I hope this is a piece that someone will like.  I hope it's okay if I practice my favorite church hymns.  And wow, I hope they like Aretha as much as I do.  I often smile, when a busy physician walks by trying to hum whatever tune I am playing.  And I particularly like it when just about any physician or nurse can belt out a tune from Lion King or the Little Mermaid.  And this is crazy, but I even heard a physician sing Strangers in the Night when he walked by, and I wasn't even playing it.  But honestly, almost anyone can chorus a doobee doobee doo in tune.

When I first started playing at the James, I almost felt sick when I saw patients, families, visitors or medical personnel, sitting at the tables by the piano.  I would say to myself "Oh God (and that's a prayer) I can't wait to screw up.  Or, I didn't practice this one carefully enough, or I can't do this, I'm just an amateur.  However, the last time I played about a month ago, I realized that what the volunteer musicians are providing, is simply pure relief from the difficult medical challenges going on with the  patients, their family members and their friends.

Several months ago, a nurse actually sat down on the bench when I was playing Natural Woman, and he did sing.  In fact, he even asked me when I would be back so he could sing again.  I think he was just happy to have a few minutes off.  I have known a few nurses in my life, and they are on the front lines of patient care, often working 12 hour shifts, and making quick and tough decisions with a smile.

I have even seen friends.  That is one of the toughest things, because again, you are seeing folks you love going through medical challenges.  Pure courage is about the only thought I can muster when I see friends going through the lobby. They are putting one foot in front of the other, and I often say, could I be that brave, could I be that strong?

On a lighter note, as a fashion oriented person, I do not like wearing a James Hospital polo.  As a Michigan State Spartan it is difficult on any day to wear scarlet or gray.  But when I think about putting up with my blasted polo, I always remind myself, that it's a small price to pay to give people some music for one short hour.  The polo says you are a part of a team, a team of amazing people making a difference.

Sometimes while playing I hear physicians walking by, talking about a medical procedure, or even a small break through, and I start to say, maybe some of these challenging cancers will be cured.  I don't know if they will, but I can have hope and I will have hope.  Yep, you can't take hope away from me.

I have about 25 pieces copied and in a white binder.  I also bring along a few extra music books, just in case I run out of pieces, or simply want to play something different.  I add that I end with the Ohio State University alma mater Carmen Ohio.  I never thought I would play that piece, but I think on some small level it makes a difference.  Carmen Ohio is really a hymn called Come, Ye Children of the Lord.  It is a Spanish melody arranged by Benjamin Carr   The words were created in 1881 by James H. Wallis

The text of the first verse is as follows
Come, ye children of the Lord,
Let us sing with one accord,
Let s raise a joyful strain
To our Lord, who soon will reign
On this earth, when it shall be
Cleansed from all iniquity ;
When all men from sin will cease
And will live in love and peace.

There are two other verses as well.

As the OSU story goes, in 1903, Fred Cornell a freshman at Ohio State, and a backup defensive end, and a member of the Ohio State Glee Club, wrote the lyrics to Carmen Ohio, following a devastating loss to the University of Michigan.  Not sure if this is the correct story, but blog followers can email me at ebnerpom@gmail.com with the correct facts.    I will add that Carmen is Latin for song and the title Carmen Ohio literally means Ohio's song.

But I digress, and add, that the alma mater is beautiful, and it says so much about the people of my adopted state of Ohio, and particularly my children (who are OSU graduates,) that folks are simply proud of their education, and their connection to the firm friendships of The Ohio State University.  I hope for patients and their families that the alma mater brings them a moment of pride, and memories of their many happy years as Buckeyes.

So what have I learned from playing at the James?  That I can give a piece of myself to the lobby crowd by playing my favorite instrument.  That perhaps some piece I am playing will remind them of their spouse, their best friend, their first date, Frank Sinatra, or even their child's first Disney movie.  But I hope that even for a brief hour, I can make someone feel that a piece of the world is still all right, even while facing great challenges with hope and courage.  The world is always magical  when there is a piano, someone to play it and music!!  Who knows maybe the crazy James polo is not that bad!

I've posted before on this subject - adult piano students

So when I think of the word spectrum, I often think of an adult piano student.    One definition of spectrum is a noun used to classify something, or suggest that it can be classified.  In my work as an adoption attorney, I have had adopted children who "fall" somewhere on the autism spectrum, again, a way to classify the development condition that affects the ability to communicate and interact.  So can the adult piano student be classified?  I believe the answer is yes.

As an adult piano student, how do I see myself and others pursuing their piano dreams?  I will start with others.  Often when I chat with friends or family about adult piano lessons, I receive a myriad of responses.  Some tell me they want to learn just enough piano, to play Christmas carols with their grandchildren.  One of my former hair dressers, only wanted to learn and play Debussy's Clair de Lune proficiently.  Others have told me they want to go as far as they can go, with the time they have left on this wonderful planet.

So, how do I see myself.?  My dreams about the piano, and playing it have changed over the years.  When I was a young girl, I dreamed of playing ragtime piano like Jo Ann Castle  on the Lawrence Welk show.  As I got into my lessons, (starting at 6 years of age), I wanted to play like my teachers, and some of the more advance students that had lessons before or after me.

When I attended Albion College for one year in 1973-74, I wanted to play like Edward Rosser, who had the lesson before me.  He is an incredible pianist, and I have blogged about him and his amazing piano story in this blog.  I came to the conclusion in college, that I didn't think I had the ability to teach piano or teach music, so I started to look at my next set of dreams, a career in the law, or even as a department store buyer.

But even with my life heading down another path, I always held on to the dream of being a respectable and capable pianist, meaning I could entertain myself, family and friends, and I could pass on my love of the instrument to the children I dreamed of having some day.

When ever I went to a concert of  a pianist I loved, I still dreamed, that I could play this piece or that piece with proficiency and great conviction.  So I started to list my favorite pianists, Emanuel Ax, Kathryn Stott, Jean - Yves Thibaudet, Jon Nakamatsu, Aaron Diehl, Bobby Short, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, and wondered if I could play one of their concert selections.  All of these pianists and many more reinforced my dream of playing respectably and capably.

So where am I today?  Well, first, I realize that I can't play all of the repertoire that I want to play today.  And, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not the pianist I was at 17 years old, when I was practicing 1-2 hours a day, and had all the time in the world to work on a difficult measure of music, or stage a piano recital performance in my living room.  Back in my later teens, I didn't have a job or children, or real responsibilities on the home front.  I may have had a chore or two, but honestly, if I was playing the piano before or after dinner, my mom often set the table or did the dishes....because I was playing her favorite instrument.

But as an adult piano student today, I can play better than I did yesterday.  I can work on my challenges, rhythm, correct fingering, pedaling and dynamics.  I can re examine a piece I learned to play years ago, and maybe even learn something new.  I can receive a challenge from my teacher, accept the challenge, and maybe even surprise that teacher by listening to her ideas about a particular piece and implementing those ideas.

I can also take my piano skills and give music to others.  Whether it is as a pinch hit pianist at my church, or playing in the lobby of our local cancer hospital, I can share this amazing instrument with my friends, family and even strangers.  Perhaps the difference I will make is that I will sooth someone's soul, or trigger a memory they had about a song or melody they heard years ago.  And most importantly, a listener may conclude ....."hey I want to start taking lessons again, and change my life and the lives of others I love."

In the Summer 2019 issue of The Piano Magazine for Clavier Companion Barbara Kreader Skalinder has written a beautiful essay entitled What My Adult Students Have Taught Me.  The three subtopics of the essay are 1.  Honor My Interests, 2.  Help Me Learn the Music I love and 3. Teach Me to Trust Myself.  These three concepts are explained with great references to some of the adult students she has taught and that she is currently teaching.  I came away from the essay realizing that I could see a small part of me in each of the three subtopics.

To honor your interests as a student, your teacher needs to know what your interests are.  So, as a student you must be bold and speak up.  Tell your teacher you want to perform, or play at church, or even  teach a neighbor or friend.  Tell your teacher the composers that you really love.  Perhaps there is a piece by that composer that is at your level, and you can in fact master that piece.  And as a student, you again need to be bold, and tell your teacher, what your challenges were in your practicing week, and what you tried musically to get the proficient result you want.

The adult piano student is in fact brave, courageous and bold.  As and adult student you are taking on new challenges, and learning that you can make a difference in your piano lesson journey.

The Heather Pick Music Program

A few months ago, I was chatting with my piano teacher Suzanne Newcomb.  She told me that she played piano for the Heather Pick Music Program at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio

To take a page from the program's website,

Heather Pick was a beloved news anchor for WBNS 10-TV, as well as a wonderful singer and songwriter. In November of 2008, she passed away from breast cancer after a courageous battle, leaving behind a mourning community and a legacy of healing through music.

Suzanne encouraged me to consider playing in the program, and I mulled it over for awhile.  I finally got my courage up to submit and application and a tape of my playing.  It was several weeks later, when I heard from Blake from the Pick program, and he basically told me I had passed.    I was surprised but somewhat excited, as I believed I could make a difference for patients and visitors at the James, by playing my favorite instrument.

The week before my first hour session, I was reviewing my extensive music collection trying to determine what I would play.  As I looked through classical and popular selections, I thought wow, do I know this well enough, or is this appropriate.  I finally concluded that I would play pieces that inspired me, and that I thought were interesting and thoughtful.  I also decided that the audience was cancer victims, their families, and hospital staff, and that I should play with the idea or concept of making a difference.

I found my travel rolling brief case, and began selecting books of music, with pieces I could play fairly well .  I began to tab various pieces, and number them, putting them in the order I wanted to play.  I knew I would be playing for an hour, and came up with about fifty pieces I could play proficiently.  My selection included classical pieces, Broadway show tunes, easy listening songs, and what I like to refer to as standards, pieces my mother loved, because well, Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett sang them. 

The day I arrive at the James Hospital, I was nervous.  As I collected my thoughts and sat down to play, I realized, that I was playing piano in the middle of a busy hospital lobby.  People were walking by with lunch in tow, others were shuffling along while texting on their phones, and some were wheeling their precious loved one in a wheel chair.  

I started to realize that it wasn't going to be a captive audience, so the best I could hope for, would be that someone would recognize a piece and have a simply moment of solitude, while listening and going about their day.  Occasionally someone would sit down in the lobby chairs and listen intently, and even clap.  In fact my third volunteer effort, resulted in a man singing along while I played Natural Women, an Aretha Franklin favorite.

What I truly learned from my first session was that the purpose of playing in this setting is to bring a brief moment of sunshine to an often challenging and dark place.  I've heard physicians start singing as I play the Lion King's Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and sighs, when I play the beautiful music of La La Land.  I've also heard folks tap their pen on a notebook, as I play an orderly Bach prelude.

After my first volunteer hour, someone had filled out a comment card about my playing.  He or she said something like, and I paraphrase....'this place would be a lot happier if someone like this woman played every week.'  That meant so much to me.  I used to play in yearly recitals, but now my playing is honestly confined to after dinner time, while my husband does the dishes.  And during piano lessons, in part, you are playing for an experienced musician, who is critiquing your efforts, to make a difference in the kind of pianist you are, and the kind of pianist you hope to be.

So, I think I will continue my volunteer efforts for awhile.  If you can play the piano, and want to perform, look for a similar type of setting, where any music you play will be appreciated.  Take some time to give of your musical self that you have worked hard to cultivate.  By your time and attentive playing, you will brighten a person's day, change their point of view and perhaps, give someone a moment of peace and relaxation.  

Even as an amateur pianist, your efforts should be shared with others.  It just strengthens the importance of the piano in our everyday lives.  So get out there and practice and play.  And if you are in Columbus, Ohio, look into the Heather Pick Music Program.  I would like to think that Heather Pick would be glad you did.

The piano will save you - revisited

I started piano lessons when I was six.  I can still see my mom at the corner of Vaughan Avenue and Grove Street (Northwest Detroit.)  She was calling my name, and she told me “Rosemary they just delivered our piano,,,,,run!”  So that is what I did-- run, to find a beautiful brown Baldwin spinet in our living room.

Initially my mom took lessons, but with family responsibilities, no time for lessons or practice.  One evening at dinner, my Dad asked me and my brothers, “who is going to take piano lessons?”  My brothers’ hands didn’t shoot up, so I said yes.

That started my long relationship with my favorite instrument.  My first teacher was our parish organist.  He was a taskmaster, rapping my hands with a wooden stick when my hand position wasn’t correct.  As an outspoken child, I told my mom…and quickly moved on to another teacher. 

In 7^th grade when I found my dream piano teacher, Katherine Lemon.  I took lessons from her through 12^th grade.  She was an Oberlin graduate, and very accomplished. I began to dream of a career as a piano teacher, and professional musician.  My senior year I played a Debussy Prelude in my final piano recital, and to my surprise, I only played one or two incorrect notes.  I had just told my teacher a few weeks earlier, that I wasn’t sure I had the ability to be a piano teacher, and that I was thinking of law school.

During my first year of college, I took piano lessons through the school of music.  My teacher criticized my playing and told me I didn’t have the right type of thumbs to be a pianist.  I was heartbroken and quit lessons after a semester.  I didn’t even play the piano in our dorm lobby.  I boxed up my love for the piano and my musical dreams.

When Sarah and Michael were little, my mom called me one day and asked me whether I wanted our little Baldwin piano.  I thought, maybe I would start playing again even though I told my mom that I didn’t think I could play anymore.  My mom firmly responded “no, Rosemary, you need the piano, and eventually it will save you many times in life.”

You know my mom was right.  I spent the 1990s playing all kinds of Disney music.  I played the Winnie the Pooh theme at least 100 times as Sarah marched around the living room.  I found an amazing piano teacher Madeline Karn, who also graduated from Oberlin for Sarah, and I watched Sarah’s progress from Piano Adventure books to sonatas.  When Sarah was in eighth grade and Michael was in fifth grade, I started taking piano lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb.  Suzanne like my other great teachers focuses on your current ability while tackling your collective musical challenges.

During my children’s busy high school years, I again took some time off from the piano, but I have gone back to the instrument, taking lessons in my 40s, 50s and now in my 60s.  I am currently taking lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, but also took lessons from Madeline Karn.  Both have given me the courage to try anything I am willing to practice.

I’m close to finishing my legal career, and my parents are now no longer with me.  My mom’s words stay with me.    Yes, the piano has saved me.  It has provided moments of order when I’m anxious, joy when I am sad, goals to achieve when I am bored, and peace when I’m troubled.   I feel as connected to the piano as when I was six.  And I have created a blog on piano playing through the mind of the amateur called FocusedHour88keys.

The piano stands alone for me as the greatest instrument.  So take a moment and see if playing the piano or any instrument can save you.

Michelle Obama A Glimpse into her Piano Journey

I have taken the opportunity to blog about Presidents who have played piano.  However, I have yet to explore the piano playing efforts of our First Ladies.

I am currently reading Becoming by First Lady Michelle Obama.  Her book is an interesting read, and she writes in a conversational tone, that simply feels like she is speaking directly to the reader.

Mrs. Obama was four when she wanted to learn to play the piano.  Okay folks, I feel like Mrs. Obama is simply so down to earth, I am going to call her Michelle.  If you ever read my blog Michelle, please forgive me.  Michelle's Great Aunt Robbie owned the house where Michelle resided with her parents and her brother Craig.  What I thought was so interesting, was Michelle's first thoughts about the piano.  In her words "When you're little, a piano can look like it has a thousand keys.  You're staring at an expanse of black and white that stretches farther than two small arms can reach."  It was the first time that someone put into words, what I thought, the first time I stared at our brand new piano, arriving in our home in 1962.

Michelle went on to describe that she liked the piano and that sitting at it felt natural, like something she was meant to do.  Again, that was how I felt, the first time I climbed on our piano bench.  I had a family who loved music.  My mom listened to Frank Sinatra while cleaning.  My parents went to the symphony and the opera, and yes, we watched Lawrence Welk, every Sunday evening, whether it was at home, or at my grandma's house.  The way Michelle described how she was surrounded by music lovers, was exactly the way I felt about my family, yes we too were music lovers.

Michelle had a focused pursuit on learning the piano.  She picked up scales and filled out sight reading worksheets that her Aunt Robbie gave her.    I loved her thought process in this part of the book, because Michelle commented that there was magic in the learning.  Learning the notes for the first time is magic.  It's a whole new language and to coin the Aladdin lyrics, it is a whole new world.

Interestingly, Michelle like me, often would look ahead in her piano books, and work on pieces that were more advanced.  In reading the book, her Aunt commented on the fact that she wasn't ready to move ahead.  However, I sensed a dogged determination on the part of Michelle, that she was moving ahead anyway.

Often in the piano world of Rosemary Ebner Pomeroy, I found myself at the music store, IMC Music Center in Berkley, Michigan to be exact, always asking my mom to buy me sheet music that said advanced.  I was confident, that I could in fact learn it even if I wasn't ready.    Perhaps that is a sign of a real musician, knowing that you might not be ready for a piece, but you are going to take a leap of faith and see if you can play any part of it anyway.  As a young pianist, I wanted to be bold.  I wanted to play like famous pianists on the covers of albums my mom had.

Michelle also took some time to describe her performance in an early piano recital.  Her piano recital was held in a practice recital at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago.  Just like my mom, Michelle's mom saw to that she was wearing a nice dress and patent leather shoes.  My mom was obsessed with black patent leather shoes, and that was what I had on for just about every piano recital.  On page 15 of her book, Michelle described her first cold sweat of her life, and her anxiety about performing.  I so remember those feelings, fear, wanting to play well, and most of all not disappointing my piano teacher.

She got to the grand piano she was going to play for the performance.  Michelle realized when she sat down on the bench that the piano was perfect, unlike the piano she played at her Aunt Robbie's home.  The middle C on her piano at home, had a chipped middle C key.  The recital piano was in mint condition.  I was relieved when her Aunt Robbie stepped up on stage, and showed her where middle C was on that piano.  When I read this excerpt, I was feeling her fear and anxiety just as if it was me.  The car ride to your piano recital is one of the toughest ones you will ever make.  You are hopeful, you will play the way you have in practice, but you are also thinking of what you will do if something goes wrong.  I used to use the strategy, that I would return to my strong place in a piece, and hope for the best on the second attempt.

I'm about half way through her book.  I took a hiatus to finish my Hamilton book,  before I see the amazing musical this Sunday. So I hope to return to Michelle's conversation very soon.    I guess what I take away from Mrs. Obama's piano journey, is that she loves music.  You see it in the way she listens, when there is a concert at the White House, that is part of a news clip on television.  You see it, when President and Mrs. Obama are at the Kennedy Center Honors program, that music is part of their souls.  And you see it in their eyes, when dancing at a State Dinner.

I've said this before in my blog, but there is order and discipline in learning to play the piano.  But more importantly, there is pure joy when you learn to play a piece you heard on the net, or a piece that an experienced or famous pianist is playing.  It is great, when you are singing a song you heard on the radio, or on your I-phone, and you make a decision right then and there to buy that piece, and learn it.

I know that playing the piano, does mean a certain focus on the pieces your teacher wants you to play to advance your progress.  But playing the piano also means that you are going to conquer a musical work that has changed your life, sent chills up and down your spine, or reminds you of that first kiss, first date, the receipt of good news, or the chilling sadness that can happen on life's journey.

So Michelle, I am glad I am reading your book.  I didn't come from the same place, but if we had met as kids, we could have been friends.  It feels good to know that we have some common experiences, especially when they involve my favorite instrument the piano.  Now that the hustle and bustle of White House life is behind you, I hope you can take some time to play more, and maybe even take some lessons.  Who knows you might be able to accompany the President on "At Last."

Christmas Carols

I have lost some of my zest for the Christmas holiday season, but I never lose my interest in Christmas carols, and hymns, and the beautiful Christmas liturgies that are part of the Catholic Church.

I have a wide variety of Christmas music.  I happened to be looking through my trove of holiday treasures the other day, looking for easy Christmas carols to share with my neighbor, Ann.  Ann wanted some carol books that she could share with her grandchildren, so she could play simple carols and they could sing along.

I happened to find an addition from the Willis Music company, that dated back to my earliest days of piano study.  As I leafed through the small blue book, that was titled something like Christmas Carols for Children, I noticed that my teacher at the time George Assemany, had dated some of the carols during December of 1962.  I was 7, and had just started piano lessons that previous summer.  I was always happy that my mom took the time to find music for me that I WANTED to play.  I could learn whatever my piano teacher had planned for me, but my Mom also wanted me to have a book or sheet music pieces that represented what I was interested in learning.

In looking at this little blue Willis addition of Christmas carols, I now realize how far I have come as an amateur pianist.  I can still play these one note versions of familiar carols straight or with the panache of a more experienced player.   I also look at the many carol books I now play, and realize that my mom knew that music is about what you feel and how much you feel in terms of sharing music with others.  I sort of laughed, when I saw the 1962 dates. In 1962 I was in second grade, leading what I considered to be a fairly carefree life.  Christmas holidays, meant incredible presents, amazing food cooked by my mom, my grandma and my Aunt Irene.  But it also meant rich musical treasures, played or performed at church, or by me at home, or by my Aunt Irene at her house or ours.

In second grade, I was always impressed that my Aunt Irene could simply sit down at the piano and play all types of Christmas carols with ease.  I knew even at 7 years old, that Aunt Irene had been a real practicer.  She took the piano seriously and I think she took all music seriously.  My mom was musical too, but she had not been exposed to piano lessons the way my Aunt Irene had.  In some ways, I associated Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett with my mom, but I associated piano music with my Aunt.  I add that my Aunt also sang in her church choir for almost all of her adult life, and that commitment to music,was the same commitment you needed to make to become a good pianist.

So in looking at my little Willis book, I took some time to find out about the Willis Music Company located in Florence, Kentucky.  The Willis music company has always been about music education.  In fact the Willis company was sold to Gustave Schirmer in 1919 and as mentioned in previous blogs, if one was playing a Schirmer edition, as a pianist you had arrived.

I looked at the www.willismusic.com website and learned that Willis added the Modern Course for the Piano by John Thompson to its catalogue in 1936.  Again, the red John Thompson book, was another side, that you were progressing as a pianist.  Willis also added the Dozen a Day series by Edna Mae Burnam.  Take a moment during the holidays, to read about Willis and learn about how the company has expanded to serve the musical community with music educational materials, musical instruments and accessories.  Willis is also well known for its support of school band and orchestra programs, particularly in the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky areas.

When I look at my treasure of music, I am always reminded of the great history in my many music books.  There is a history of my progression as an amateur pianist, and a history of what I think I can accomplish as a pianist.  There is always hope, when you sit at a piano, hope to become better, hope to calm your fears, hope that you can share the music which is such a part of your heart and who you are.

My Aunt Irene is gone now, but when the Christmas holidays come around I always think of her, and I am proud that I can sit at the piano and play those familiar carols.  I also know that our Sarah can do the same, and will assume the mantle of piano playing when I can no longer do so.

If you play even at a beginning level, get out your Christmas carol book, or buy one and start a new holiday tradition...now!

J.S. Bach Prelude Eleven- Ornaments!

I had always thought I had arrived as a student of the piano, when my teacher Katherine Lemon started purchasing Schirmer editions of classical music for me.  As the years have passed, I am now in possession of the G. Henle Verlag, Urtext editions of several classical composers.  The Henle edition, elevates you to an even higher status, once you can master a work within the volume.

I love Bach, and I have both volumes of The Well-  Tempered Clavier, or Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, Teil I and Teil II.  As an amateur, in the Henle edition, there is not a lot of direction in terms of fingering patterns, or the notes to be included in an ornament.  There is the Vorwort or Preface, for basic guidance. However, in my quest to learn quickly, I generally don't spend a lot of time reading the editor's notes that accompany these challenging preludes and fugues.

Currently I am working on the Praeludium XI.  I am the second string pianist at my church, and on rare occasions, I fill in as the pianist, for Saturday night Mass.  I'm not sure about the congregation's affinity for classical music, but I like it, and I think my pastor does as well.  I am always hopeful, that if I can master a prelude, it can become an after communion interlude, before the final announcements, blessing and recessional hymn.  There is nothing like a Bach prelude, to make you feel like you are in a house of worship, a place of peaceful reflection.

The Prelude in F major, is in 12/8 time, which always adds another dimension and another challenge.  I know this is a bold statement on my part, but without the ornamentation, I believe I could master this work of Bach, in a reasonable amount of time.  But this prelude has ornamentation, otherwise known to the common amateur pianist as the trills, mordants and cadences.  So proper mastery of the prelude is simply going to take more time.

I add that two of my piano teachers, Katherine Lemon and Suzanne Newcomb each had a book on ornamentation.  I would guess that my other teacher Madeline Karn also had such a book, but I don't recall asking her about such a necessary volume of musical information.  You don't get to piano greatness, like these three amazing teachers, without a volume on ornamentation.

The trill focuses on this concept, integrating the stream of notes that comprise the trill into the musical melody, while maintaining the steady beat of the time signature.  Often over the years, teachers have told me, learn the prelude, and add the trills, once you have mastered the notes and rhythm.  Some teachers over the years have even told me to forget the trills.  However, when you are a serious musician, even as an amateur, you want to take on the challenge of the trills, no matter how difficult and frustrating they might be.

I was scouting around on the internet this week and, I found a transcription of an ornament table(transcribed by T. L. Hubeart, Jr.)  appearing in the Clavier-Buchlein vor Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, written by Johann Sebastian Bach for the keyboard instruction of his eldest son.   If you put J. S. Bach's Ornament Table in an internet browser, you will be brought to a graphic of the table.

The table gives a good description of the symbol for the ornament, as well as the written out notes for each ornament.  So, at least for the music of Bach, you can refer to the table when trying to determine how in practice, you will accomplish the ornamentation.

I add, that in time one probably will learn "the how" of playing the ornaments without referring to the table, but keeping the table close by, when playing Bach, will help you to figure out the ornamentation, and perhaps you may even surprise your teacher.

Without spending time to define the ornaments, I can add that there are at least the following ornaments:
trillo
mordant
trillo und mordant
cadence
doppelt-cadence
idem
doppelt-cadence und mordant
idem
accent steigen,
accent fallend
accent und mordant
accent und trill
idem

I add in defense of all of my wonderful teachers, all have been willing to write out how the ornament should be played.  Particularly in Bach's music, the addition of properly played ornaments, adds to the dimension of  the prelude or fugue.  The beauty of Bach's music is enhanced by the ornaments, and therefore, the ornaments must be integrated into the melody and counterpoint melody.

Thoughts About Aretha Franklin

I couldn't let the death of Aretha Franklin pass without a few words.  Since I grew up in Detroit, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin remain my favorite Motown musicians.  The Queen of Soul and her music are both a part of me.  I also love the fact that Aretha recorded one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs "Until You Come Back to Me."  So there will be time for Mr. Wonder, but for now I want to focus on Aretha.

When I moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1987, my friends and colleagues began to identify me with Motown music.  People often would ask me whether I was a fan of Aretha or a fan of Stevie Wonder and I always responded with a resounding "yes!"

Aretha had her roots in gospel music, and in any good gospel performance there is always the amazing piano accompaniment and a great soloist.  Since Aretha's death I learned that she played piano by ear, and was more often than not, able to play and sing one of her amazing songs at the same time.

In one of the many news shows covering Aretha's recent death, it turned out, she sought out classical training on the piano, and decided to attend The Juilliard School.  Can you even imagine what it would be like to teach Aretha?  I have nothing to base this on, but I think she would have approached her lessons with great humility.  I would hope that Aretha would subscribe to my motto, while taking piano lessons, that of "trusting the professionals."

Aretha had occasion to collaborate with many musicians, but I loved the fact that she connected with former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.  Aretha and Secretary Rice, teamed up to perform for one of President Obama 's fundraisers for underprivileged children.  Secretary Rice even accompanied Aretha on "Say a Little Prayer."  It is simply good to know that a Republican like Secretary Rice and a Democrat like Aretha Franklin can team up and accomplish something great.  Greatness comes, when folks put aside their differences for the good they can do!!!

Take a moment  to read Randy Lewis' tribute to Aretha in the LA Times.  Mr. Lewis has been covering pop music for the LA Times since 1981.  He hit some of her music highlights, and has praise for her ability as a pianist.  Mr. Lewis aptly describes Aretha, "But there was something special when she sat at the keyboard:  a fusion of singer, instrumentalist and song that inevitably pushed the goose-bumps quotient up several notches."

 http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-aretha-franklin-piano-20180816-story.html#

Mr. Lewis also writes about Aretha's 2015 performance at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC.  He mentioneds that the performance has had over 12 million views on Youtube. 

I must add that everytime I see that performance, I literally cry.  First, Aretha is playing and singing for Carole King, an accomplished pianist and song writer.  In fact, Aretha is performing Carole King's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.  To see Carole King's reaction to Aretha's performance, is so amazing.  You are swallowed up by the emotions of Carole King.    At the same time, the video pans to President Obama, as he wipes away tears during this song.  You can only imagine what he is thinking, but at least I feel that he is recognizing how much Aretha means to citizens of this great country, and particularly citizens, people of color, who look to her for meaning, understanding, leadership and frankly soul.

I'm going to miss Aretha.  Her songs are entwined in the tapestry of my life.  But music reminds of us of one thing, that it lives on.  Her singing, her piano playing will continue, everytime you tap your music on your I-phone, when you pop your vinyl on the turn table, when you still push a CD into your car player.  That's the essence of music, the musicians may not physically be here, but the music is still with us, whether we are singing it playing it, or watching memories on television or the net.    Aretha is truly the key ---to my peace
of mind!!

Suite Detroit Sounds of an American City

During the last several months, I have been focused on some chronic medical issues, and closing my solo law practice.  I have been an adoption and estate planning/administration attorney for the last 25 years and have been practicing law in total for 30 years.  I often think about the big events in my life that have brought me such happiness, and I can honestly say there are several:  meeting and marrying my husband Mark, the births of my children Sarah and Michael, graduating from law school and passing the bar examination and buying a 6 foot grand piano.

I think now,  I am going to have a little more time to pursue hobbies and interests, including this blog.  In keeping with the spirit of my blog, to focus on the mind of the amateur pianist, I want to spend a small amount of time writing about composer Catherine Rollin.

I have had a variety of piano teachers over the years, and currently I take lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb.  I will try to blog about her interest in adult students, her sign up genius program to schedule lessons, and what I think her approach is to adult piano students with some level of experience, in a follow up blog post.

But for now back to Catherine Rollin.  I was born and raised in Detroit the Motor City.    Ms. Rollin is a pianist, composer, clinician and teacher, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Oakland University.  You can take a look at her many accomplishments at CatherineRollinMusic.com.   Ms. Rollin is a committed teacher, clinician and composer.  Frankly she is quite amazing!!

Suzanne had the good fortune to connect up with Catherine Rollin at a recent Music Teachers National Association conference.  I showed up for a lesson one Friday morning, and Suzanne told me that she had a present for me.  Suzanne presented me with a suite of music called Suite Detroit, Sounds of an American City.  The cover of the music even had the modern glass structure the Renaissance Center, which has ended up on almost any travel brochure for Detroit, over the last 30 years.  The Renaissance Center was the skyscraper building in Detroit that symbolized Detroit rebirth after the riots in 1967.  The riots were the results of escalating tensions between the white and black communities, and our community was struggling for civil rights, civility and fair treatment by law enforcement.  So the Renaissance Center in a way was Detroit's way of saying, we are committing to our citizens of this great city.

Back to the suite of music, at first when I opened the score, I thought, in my usual cavalier manner "this doesn't look too challenging."  Well, as I started to discover this suite of pieces, even in music that does not appear to be challenging, there is always something to learn, and always a challenge to be conquered.

The suites are entitled, The City:  Overture and Improvisation, Belle Isle: An Interlude and Good Vibes:  Finale.  I found that these three short pieces brought back a lot of memories for me about growing up in Detroit.

The City: Overture and Improvisation.  When I first learned this piece, I realized that the melody made me very nostalgic for the Detroit I grew up in, especially in terms of my memories.  Northwest Detroit, was a beautiful area, with every street containing elm trees that formed an actual tunnel of trees.  Our street was filled with children, and all the activities that children used to play, hide and seek, tag, jumping rope, kick ball, snowball fights, playing army and bike races.  For me, growing up in that beautiful Detroit neighborhood also meant, carving out my time to practice the piano.  No matter what I was up to after school 5:00 to 5:30 was piano practice time.  As I grew older, the time would become 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or even 4:00 to 5:30 as my practice assignments grew in length and complexity.  I never had to be reminded by my mom to practice, I practiced because I loved it so much.

This melody reminds me of what Detroit was in my memory bank, but also makes me think of the amazing people of this city.  Many of my grade and high school friends still reside in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs.  I keep track of these folks on Facebook, and many share memories of our growing up years.  The Overture, reminds me that I must keep the memories of my family, friends and neighborhood alive.

Belle Isle: An Interlude.  This melody captures the feeling you might experience if you were riding on boat on the Detroit River.  In fact, growing up, my mom, Grandma and my brothers used to take a large sight seeing boat called the Bob-Lo Boat to Bob-Lo Island with a small amusement park south of Detroit, near Amherstburg, Ontario.  If you went north on the Detroit River, you would come to Belle Isle, complete with a beautiful park and picnic area.  In fact, when my maternal grandmother was young, she told me that Belle Isle was often the place she went to picnic with my grandfather.

The piece captures what is like to live near so much water.  I took my time in Michigan for granted.  I didn't realize how much I missed living near water until I began living in Ohio.  And it seems that folks in Ohio, don't even seem to care, that they don't live near water.  I don't know, I just know I cannot explain how living away from water has changed my life, and not in a good way.

So this piece reminds me of what it was like to live in Detroit, not far from the Detroit River, close to multiple lakes, and the peace of mind I experienced in owning a sail boat and sailing with my Dad on Orchard and Elizabeth lakes.

Good Vibe:  Finale.  The finale piece leaves the listener with hope.  Hope that the once beautiful and vibrant city is returning.  In fact, when I go to Detroit now to visit, I see so many exciting things happening in Detroit, that there seems to be a real renaissance within the city.  I was in Detroit, last summer, and took time out to walk along the newly created River Walk near the Renaissance Center, and took a boat tour of the Detroit River.  I was beginning to feel a small glimmer of hope for the city I love so much.

Good Vibes also has a rhythmic, jazz feeling, that sums up the sense that Detroit is in fact a musical city.  Detroit has so many music venues, and even Detroit has its own Montreaux Jazz Festival.  The Detroit Symphony is going strong, and Detroit's Orchestra Hall is one of the top classical music venues in the City.  In Good Vibes, measure 9 starts a melodic passage that sort of feels like you are travelling upward.  Perhaps upward to more good years ahead for this amazing city, my home town.

I don't know Catherine Rollin, but I think you should take some time to explore her website, and perhaps even encourage your piano teacher, to purchase some music that she has created.  You might even consider the Suite Detroit.  It may make you even a little appreciative of the beautiful Motor City.  Another opportunity for you to be inspired!!