I was sorting some papers, letters, and such today (on my day off) and came across a letter from my piano teacher. It was her birthday a couple of months ago. She turned 96. You didn’t know I had a piano teacher? Well, I am sure I’ve mentioned her before on this blog, but some of you might not recall or are new here and don’t know that I’ve played the piano since I was 12. I begged and pleaded with my parents until they finally bought me a used (and kind of ugly, but working!) piano.
We found my piano teacher through a friend in school. She was already in her late 70’s at that time, but I adored her. The ease with which her fingers were striking the keys, I was beyond admiration and jealously for her musical ability.
I went to my piano lessons all through highschool and college (long after my sister and other piano-playing friends had given up on the lessons and had abandoned their pianos). I think, not only did I extraordinarily enjoy playing the piano, but I also very much enjoyed keeping my piano teacher company. She was funny and interesting and always had some stories to tell. She kept saying that her students keep her young, and I truly believe that.
Even after I moved to the US, almost 8 years ago, which was when I finally had to quit my lessons, I kept in touch with her through letters and the occasional visit when I happened to be in Germany. Sometimes long periods of time, months!, past without any contact and I always feared that my Mom would call me one day and tell me that she read in the obituaries that my piano teacher had passed away. After all, she’s kind of getting there age-wise. But so far, she’s still doing pretty well for her age, still living in her own apartment (though with family close by) and playing the piano every single day! This is at least what I heard last.
I think I’ve seen her last about three years ago and she was doing fantastic at the time. Last year, I bumped into her granddaughter on a visit in Germany and she reassured me that her grandma was still doing fairly well. I received a letter from her earlier this year, which I found today. She had included some photos from ‘back in the days’ and she wrote about how precious the time with her piano students was and that she missed those times. It was really touching.
I am still contemplating if I should share one of the photos with you or not (because it’s highly awkward and embarrassing – but then, awkward and embarrassing is fun, right?! ;) Don’t judge.)
So, here we go:
OMG! My hair! My facial expression! And what the heck was I wearing??
We often played pieces that were intended to be played four-handed (as we were doing in the picture above, I believe). It was so much fun!
I miss the good ol’ times. And I really have to get in touch with her next time I am visiting my family in Germany. I hope she’s still doing well.
Kristi
November 11, 2009 at 8:11 pmThat picture is adorable! And what a nice tribute to a wonderful woman – music teachers are so important! I’ve been playing piano since I was 8 (another thing we have in common lovely girl) and it was a happy day 3 years ago when I bought my very own piano to play every day (it’s from 1901, it’s beautiful and plays well.) :p
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Steffi
November 11, 2009 at 10:34 pmI used to play the piano as well. I started with 8 years and had lessons until I turned 16.
I think I have to Google my old teacher today and see if I can find out what happened to him.
The piano is at my parents place and I play whenever I am there to visit.
When we finally have our own house I will try and get it over. It’s really old one from my Grandpa but it still plays very nice.
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Tinka
November 12, 2009 at 1:01 amThat’s too cute :)
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Antje
November 12, 2009 at 2:59 amAs I child I never was interested in learning to play an instrument. Nowadays I sometimes regret that. It would be nice… The piano would also be the instrument of my choice!
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Fab
November 12, 2009 at 3:48 amI have to post some of my photos from back in the day. You look totally current compared to me. LOL I had a PERM! LOL
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Stefanie
November 12, 2009 at 6:10 amI am with Antje. I wish I had learned playing an instrument when I was young. When I turned 18, I got a guitar for my birthday from my friends and I taught myself how to play it.
What an adorable picture!
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doahleigh
November 12, 2009 at 8:56 amWow that is so 80s. However, I’m jealous. I so wish I had gotten piano lessons when I was younger.
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Terra
November 12, 2009 at 11:20 amLove the picture!
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Maribeth
November 13, 2009 at 11:47 amYou were adorable! I want to see more of your youth pictures!
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