MARCH
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ― Charles Dickens
Hello Everybody,
FROM COVER TO COVER
Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson was my first piano book. I remember the lessons on each page and the excitement I felt when it was time to turn the page and learn a new tune. I still remember the lyrics and the music, and even now I occasionally pick up John Thompson's books and play through them.
Beyer's piano method was another book I played from cover to cover, I was surprised by how much joy I found in playing exercises that most people would regard as monotonous or meaningless. The truth is, practicing has never been an issue for me_ I can always play a piece just one more time.
Beyer's piano method was another book I played from cover to cover, I was surprised by how much joy I found in playing exercises that most people would regard as monotonous or meaningless. The truth is, practicing has never been an issue for me_ I can always play a piece just one more time.
TECHA
I remember the out-of-tune black piano where I played my first do-re-mi. The school and the classroom seemed much bigger then than they really are. I did not know much about my first piano teacher, but I could tell she was deeply kind and passionate about music. If my memory hasn't failed me, her name was Techa, and there were rumors she came from Puebla City.
The laughter and joy she expressed after we successfully played a duet have stayed with me. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. because of her, I love playing duets. Making music with others takes away the isolation and mystery that musicians sometimes experience.
The laughter and joy she expressed after we successfully played a duet have stayed with me. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. because of her, I love playing duets. Making music with others takes away the isolation and mystery that musicians sometimes experience.
ILIANA
There was a second teacher I had in the beginning of my adventure, as things grew more serious, music became more challenging and it required greater effort to learned. The secrets of music were unraveled little by little before my very eyes.
I remember the tidy house with its upright piano in the living room, and the 45 minute trip I made each week to my lesson. In that well kept home, my teacher_ a small, middle age woman_ waited for me to arrived. Each Saturday morning we spent a full hour at the piano. I knew she had other students, though I never met a single one.
My teacher's name was Iliana. She was unstoppable_ always kind, yet serious and demanding when it came to music. I must admit, her demeanor intimidated me.
I remember the tidy house with its upright piano in the living room, and the 45 minute trip I made each week to my lesson. In that well kept home, my teacher_ a small, middle age woman_ waited for me to arrived. Each Saturday morning we spent a full hour at the piano. I knew she had other students, though I never met a single one.
My teacher's name was Iliana. She was unstoppable_ always kind, yet serious and demanding when it came to music. I must admit, her demeanor intimidated me.
BE AFRAID
She loved teaching Baroque and Classical music_ Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart were always present in our lesson. But when she played Bach, she gave a warning: “Be afraid”, she would say. “Bach requires patience and diligence; both hands are of equal importance”. To me, playing Bach feels much like the month of March_ when one can find Summer in the light and Winter in the shade.
Undeniably, I learned that to play Bach one must develop military discipline. His music still intimidates me_ yet it is equally satisfying to play. To be fair, all baroque music requires careful attention, and it has my deepest respect
Undeniably, I learned that to play Bach one must develop military discipline. His music still intimidates me_ yet it is equally satisfying to play. To be fair, all baroque music requires careful attention, and it has my deepest respect
THANK YOU
The elegance, gentleness, and rapid rhythm of this composition reminds me of both teachers' driven dispositions. It brings to mind, all at once, the fast pace of the lessons and the leisure they took in attending to detail. The strict precision of the ostinato beat reflects Iliana's musical genius, while the serious yet warm melody, outlines Techa's nature.
It is no surprise that the feelings of freedom and determination this duet stirs in me make me yearn for more. At times the rhythm resembles a light walk in the park, yet at moments it becomes a vicious circle where I feel confined, _though I have no desire to escape.
I am dedicating March to my piano teachers_ for the time they gave me, the effort they made, and, most importantly, for instilling in me a love for music. I would not have accomplished what I have over the years without their patience and skills.
It is no surprise that the feelings of freedom and determination this duet stirs in me make me yearn for more. At times the rhythm resembles a light walk in the park, yet at moments it becomes a vicious circle where I feel confined, _though I have no desire to escape.
I am dedicating March to my piano teachers_ for the time they gave me, the effort they made, and, most importantly, for instilling in me a love for music. I would not have accomplished what I have over the years without their patience and skills.
Thank you Techa,
Thank you Iliana,
Wherever you may be.
Thanks for reading!
Music INFORMATION:
- Key: F Major/D Minor
- Parts: Cello and Piano
- Duration: 3:00 min
- Measures: 48
- Pages: 4
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