A Personal Journey

A Personal Journey: "This little girl who hated practicing so much, she wanted to quit." Yes that was me. I cannot believe when I was around most of my students' ages I hated practicing piano. I preferred hanging out with friends. Practicing was a requirement like making my bed or brushing my teeth, and I was not happy about it. I remember getting older and a bit more mature around the age of 16 and realizing what a special gift music was in my life. I of course then developed a wonderful love of music, won numerous competitions, majored in music at NYU, became a full time piano performer and Steinway and Sons music educator in NYC, now directing Tribeca Music Academy.

I share this story to say that every student is different. That is the attitude we live by at the Academy and it's the reason why we are able to help so many students. Some students will practice an hour a day, but some won't and they should not be given up on.

What if my parents had given up on me when I complained about practicing? Every lesson is an investment in your child's future. Every recital and performance video is a monumental achievement that they may not appreciate for years. It's like vegetables. Students need their musical broccoli (lessons) whether they use it now or in the future.

I know a lot of you are asking yourself "Is my child practicing enough?" Just because your child is not practicing today doesn't mean they will not practice someday. We have seen remarkable transformations with students who go from 0 to 60 because they get inspired one day as they get older, just as I did. Or they get motivated from a concert or a movie. I cannot tell you how many adults come to me saying they wish they hadn't quit or given up on music lessons when they were younger.

I just want to see my students LOVE music, love piano, and progress bit by bit. You are all doing great!

Xo, Lydia