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About
My Piano Story
I was piano-curious at age two
As a veteran music teacher who started lessons the same year I started kindergarten, my advice parallels my roles as a student, piano parent and music teacher. My reflection tells how it all started, why I wanted to quit, why I’m thankful for falling victim to my mom’s ever-so-clever psychology, and how I’m using my experiences to encourage parents and students to get the most from music lessons while they have the opportunity.
Once Upon a Time...
First day of Kindergarten with Lorenzo Brooks. I started piano around this age.
My first lesson took place at our small apartment in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the same year I started kindergarten, Odessa Ridley Balkcom who just happened to be my mom, started teaching me to play the piano. Back then students in grades K through 8 went home for lunch. My mom preferred being home for me and my brother but needed to increase her bank balance. It dawned on her that maybe she could teach piano in the neighborhood. Mom was a “closet musician” who would stop playing whenever she thought anyone other than family was listening. A friend and I were the guinea pigs who got free lessons to help mom feel confident before teaching others for pay. It was a success!
On our block of 16 buildings with 8 floors and 64 apartments each, students of all ages were in our living room tickling the ivories (those keys were really ivory!) every day except Sundays. My mom earned the moniker “Piano Lady” and was well-respected in the community. It was the epitome of musical “street cred” for sure. She received her college degree in music years later while I was in college. (She got a big kick out of the “Dear Freshman” letters I sent her – HA!)
With a built-in piano teacher, I had a 15 to 30 minute lesson several times per week. Piano lessons were ok but I preferred setting my record player next to the piano and spinning records over and over to learn songs by ear. The Jackson Five, The Temptations, Carole King, The Beatles and whoever else was the coolest was cool with me. I didn’t see the value of scales and silly nursery rhyme songs in the piano books, so I asked to quit.
“Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win” Vince Lombardi
At our Music School, we make music education accessible for students from all over the world. Our doors are open to the students of all ages and any levels of experience. Our mission is to develop individuals, inspire creative passion, and increase students’ self-confidence.
Where We Spent Most Time
Every Saturday, my brother Alston and I were dropped off at the local Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs to learn sports, crafts and more from positive and talented role models. Synchronized swimming, jump rope and trampoline tricks were among my favorite activities. The above quote was posted high on the wall smack dab in the middle of the gym where we spent the most time. Our mother and father (wouldn’t you know it!) made sure to point it out to us at least a couple of times. They must have known that these seven words would have real meaning in our lives once we were old enough to have more sense! Thanks to my high school bandmate Al who allowed me to use his dad’s quote in my blog. Below you will see how my mom and Mr. Joseph Cristino shared a similar mindset especially concerning my musical education.,
It's All Mom's fault
CLEVER MOM TRICK #1
Mom said “When you reach third grade level music, you can quit”
She was probably snickering from the back bedroom when she heard me practicing harder than ever to finish the third grade music book. She knew that after third grade music I would at the very least be a functional pianist able to play hymns, and intermediate level repertoire.
CLEVER MOM TRICK #2
Mom never pressured me to practice
But if she hadn’t heard me play for a day or two she would ask if I had practiced. My typical response was some variation of “Remember when you and Dad went out?” (yeah right!) If mom was in another room I would set a book on the piano stand and keep the music going while reading the book and sometimes eating candy during the rests. She thought I was focused on practicing. NOT! I actually got away with that at least for a little while!
CLEVER MOM TRICK #3
Mom said that if she
Let me quit I would blame her later for not making me stick with it. She must have been right because adults often say “I wish I had stuck with my music lessons.”
CLEVER MOM TRICK #4
Mom never pressured me to practice
Grade book, mom sent me downtown to Mr. Morry LoPinto, a professional pianist educated at the prestigious Julliard School. Riding the bus to lessons all by myself was a big deal to me. I didn’t want to lose that privilege so I kept going back for more lessons. The next thing I knew was that Mr. LoPinto was preparing me for my audition at Howard University. Music and I became eternally inseparable. No turning back. THANK YOU, MOM!
My Experience and Knowledge
I share these experiences with you in hopes to encourage you or your child to value music education and experience the many benefits that music brings. I am ever-so-grateful to family, teachers, students and supporters for the musical interactions from which I gain experience and knowledge daily to become a better teacher and musician.
STUDENTS
Give music a fair chance. For most people it’s not super easy at first but music will surely help you earn better grades in school. You will learn about other cultures (history, geography), foreign languages; especially Italian which will help you in Spanish class. You must count rhythms on the spot (math). You will also have better coordination, become more focused and your memory will improve. You will feel more valued as you gain respect from your peers and others who like music. When friends forsake you, music is always there for you. If music lessons are not going well, switch teachers or switch to another instrument or voice before you decide to quit.
PARENTS
Be calm and encouraging but firm about the seriousness of music study. Harsh reprimands often backfire. Like brushing teeth, most children need to be reminded to practice. I have yet to see a child rush to get their toothbrush! When skills improve students tend to practice more often without reminders. Piano practice isn’t fun while working on a difficult piece. These are the moments when students need your encouragement the most. When students work through the difficult part, they feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation. This cycle will repeat itself many times during the study of a musical instrument.
Consistent short practice sessions work much better than one long practice the day before a lesson. Consider structuring practice as “play each piece 3-5 times with 3 mistakes or less” before you stop. Practicing by the clock can seem like forever and two days. Some students will focus more on the clock than on the music. Provide a quiet place for practice without distractions. Compliment your children, ask them periodically to play a favorite piece for you. Listen to various styles of music on the car radio. Talk about your musical experiences, take your children to musical performances and expose them about the musicians from your era that you know and love.
TEACHERS
Be patient. Give praise for small successes and correct with love. Soon there will be fewer corrections and more successes as they gain confidence due to your compassionate spirit.
I once had student who would stop in the middle of a piece to comment on any random item in view. I wanted to hang a sign that said “Music Studio Closed Forever!” Instead I cleared everything off the piano, gave him more “off the bench” time using a floor keyboard and music games. This student is now a professional musician.
You will be challenged by time-wasters entering your studio with facial expressions, body language and excessive chatter that indicates that they would rather be anywhere else besides sitting on a piano bench. Meet them where they are. Do your best to “convert” them! You never know whose future you may impact by believing that your students can succeed and giving your all before giving up on them.