1) What is the main challenge holding you back from playing the piano?
My main challenge is time. I’m a full time mum, mother of two(under five).
2) What are the other obstacles keeping you from playing the piano like you’ve always dreamed?
Not being able to sponsor myself for the lessons and all the other requirements.
3) What song or type of music have you always wanted to play?
I love music. Any song really, classical, esp church songs.
4) What are the three greatest benefits you’ll enjoy from playing the piano?
Being able to perform in a concert, just to get lost in the music, i mean, i love the sound of the piano, it gives joy that i cannot explain, to be able to play for those less able to and yet enjoy the sound of the piano…beautiful esp. to the ailing, cos i believe the sound of the piano brings a smile to ones face and everything within just wakes up!!! There’s something soooo beautiful about this musical instrument.
Thank you Lisa.
Caroline

My response to the questions are as follows:

Q1: What is the main challenge holding you back from playing the piano?

Ans: The main challenge holding me back from playing the piano is the constant conflict between work and time. Being a freshman at Boston University, I have just entered the academic sphere and am required to not only learn from but also significantly contribute to my major, Computer Science. Both the piano and Computer Science are an integral part of my personality: just like a human being needs to eat and drink to survive, I derive my energy from playing the piano and ruminating about the academic realm. In my life, I endeavour to manage my schedule in such a way that I can give adequate time to both of my interests. Here lies a challenge! Once I indulge in a particular thing, I cannot get myself to leave it midway and move on to a different subject. Though I have assigned one hour in my every day schedule to playing the piano, this time division usually varies; it all depends on the vocation with which I start my day. I have seen that I tend to give too much time to this vocation, thereby sacrificing the time I had planned to dedicate in pursuit of other interests. Many days I have worked on the computer for long hours and ended up playing the piano for less than ten minutes, while on others, I have played the piano for hours at a stretch and not bothered about programming. Adherence to time management is the need of the hour!

Q2: What are the other obstacles keeping you from playing the piano like you’ve always dreamed?

Ans:Primary among “the other obstacles keeping you from playing the piano like [I have] always dreamed” (Lisa) is the unacquaintance with the right techniques. The reason for the unawareness about the right way to do a particular thing is two fold: firstly, I often end up practising the wrong thing due to the lack of good teachers at my hometown of Assam, India. The winter and the summer breaks are the only times when I have ample opportunities to play the piano. During the fall and the spring semesters, on the other hand, I have to race with time in an attempt to give adequate attention to both Computer Science and piano. Many a times my music professor at Boston says that things I have learnt at home are wrong. This makes the process tedious, as it is hard to unlearn what one has already learned. Here your “Online Piano Lessons” become invaluable to me. They are a perfect guide to playing the piano and help me to imbibe the right techniques to master the instrument; for instance, I was facing a lot of trouble while shifting my hand position during a piece. Then I referred to your online lessons and saw the video that advised one to focus on the finger which was to play the next note while changing the hand position. You also bought about the realization that if I managed to press the right key after shifting the hand, the rest of the fingers automatically come in position. I was surprised to see the applicability and effectiveness of your technique. The second reason that hampers my piano playing experience is the presence of students in my music class who have tutors at home. At Boston University, I am on full scholarship and live in a university residence. Considering the high cost to get a personal tutor, I have never had the advantage to have one on one interactions with music professors- your live online conferences are, of course, an exception and an opportunity I had never thought I could avail. The students in my music class already know what is being taught; consequently, the class goes at very fast pace and I am unable to clarify all my doubts. Lisa, your piano lessons have come as a benediction for me. It was solely on their basis that I prepared for the piano finals and secured an A in the course. Your advice to count aloud to maintain the rhythm helped me to perform my final piece at a consistent pace. Despite of not having a personal tutor, I was among the top five students in the course. Using the online notes, I can go at my own pace and ensure that I understand the basics before moving on to play different pieces.

Q3: What song or type of music have you always wanted to play?

Ans: I have a passion for classical, romantic, and inspirational songs. Pieces written by Allegretto are also among my favourites. I believe that the beauty of classical songs will last till eternity and always have the capability to touch the innermost feelings of music lovers. Inspirational songs encourage me to never be complacent about progress and strive for perfection. After hearing them, I have realised that life has so much to offer. One just needs to have the willingness to go from strength to strength and Providence leads the way.

Q4: What are the three greatest benefits you’ll enjoy from playing the piano?

Ans:The piano has always rejuvenated my soul. When I play the piano, I forget all the daily life tensions and am entranced by the music. It makes me realise that life is indeed very beautiful. The combination of the piano and Computer Science has helped me go a long way in life: the serenity of music is like a replenishing tool in my wild search for knowledge. After playing the piano, I feel calm and tranquil. This satisfied state of mind increases my concentration and observing power. It sharpens the saw and encourages me to strive until I achieve perfection. While playing the piano, I better understand who I really am. Music helps me to comprehend my goals in life, my aspirations, and dwell opon questions such as what I really want out of life.
It transcends my conscious mind and leads to positive vibrations in the subconscious.

Apart from personal enrichment, the piano helps me to communicate my feelings of love and respect towards my companions. The smile that spreads on my friend’s face when I play the happy birthday song makes all the effort put in to master the piano worthwhile. I believe that music is the best way to communicate and help somebody understand your emotions.

Another benefit of playing the piano is that it gives an entirely different dimension to one’s personality and is a valuable addition to the resume. People have come to realize the importance of musicians and graduate schools consider music as one of the best extra-curricular activities.

Lisa, I have had another very significant benefit from playing the piano; it was while attempting to indulge in the world of piano that I learned that people like you who are willing to impart education for free still exist in today’s world. Hats off to you!! Way to go!

Regards,
Shailendra Khemka