I take a deep breath to steady my shaking hands while gently placing them at middle C. As I exhale, I feel myself relax, and my fingers begin to smoothly flow across the keys. I feel a calm come over me as I become lost in Tchaikovsky’s “Reverie”. Three minutes later my hands drop from the keys as the audience applauds. After a few shaky breaths and smiles, I stand up from the piano and walk out of the room. I received the highest marks in my class, and thus concluded my first OMEA District II Solo and Ensemble competition on the piano.
I am at my most content when I am playing the piano. I am a fairly reserved person, but playing the piano allows me to express my feelings through the music. The quick, fluid movement of my hands across the keys almost instantly calms me and instills in me a sense of confidence. Regardless of what is going on in my life, I know I can always sit down at my piano to ease my anxiety. When I sit at my piano, I have the option of challenging myself to perfect a more difficult piece, or playing a familiar song I love simply for pleasure. I own a wide variety of music ranging from modern to classical and upbeat to soothing; I can always find a piece that matches my mood.
I began piano lessons at the age of five. It started off as one of those activities mothers enroll their children in to expand their horizons during their youth. Somewhat reluctantly, I decided to try it. After only a few lessons I developed a genuine enthusiasm for the piano. I loved the way I could create music. Listening to my teacher, Alison, play inspired me to continue taking lessons so I could play like her someday.
As time went on and my abilities advanced so did my passion. A few times throughout the year, Alison would take her students to the local nursing home to play for the residents. This is a memory I hold dear to my heart because it was my first experience playing in front of an audience that wasn’t Alison or my family. I decided I liked the idea of sharing my talent with others. After Alison moved away and my lessons ended, I continued to play for myself and practice on my own. Before long, I volunteered to play piano for the children’s Christmas pageant and other special occasions at my church.
Throughout my high school career, my choir director greatly supported my piano playing and encouraged me to never stop playing. Beginning in my sophomore year, he offered me each year the opportunity to play the piano accompaniment for songs at a few of our concerts. Additionally, he provides music for me to play, and I enjoy the challenge of working to master a new piece. The sense of accomplishment after perfecting a difficult piece is highly rewarding.
My piano experience has helped me grow as both a musician and a person. I’ve developed more self-confidence from playing at various public events and accomplishing difficult pieces of music on my own. The piano is my safe haven because it will always be there for me and remain a place where I can release my emotions. When playing the piano, I become carried away by the music; it centers and refocuses me.
While the piano is not my focus in life, it is a passion I hope to continue. Playing the piano has become a part of who I am and it never fails to lift my spirits. I consider myself blessed that I have been given this talent as well as various opportunities to share it with others.
