Behind my sofa in the studio is a wall full of autographs. They are addressed to the students by "famous" teachers, performers, artists, rock-n-rollers and other people that might encourage them. I call it the "Wall of Inspiration". It is ongoing "atta boys" to follow their dreams, work hard, keep striving. Sometimes learning music is hard. It is lonely and difficult to practice every day. It can be misunderstood to put your whole self into this art. It is certainly on the lower end of the financial gain ladder. But, when the student answers honestly that this is the only thing he can see himself doing for the rest of his life, you know he is a musician. I believe it is then my job to bolster him with any collegial support I can find.
Sometimes the artists are surprised that I've waited in a line to get an autograph when they hear to whom it's addressed. I've had some pianists go to extraordinary lengths to ponder their autographs and become quite poetic. I've also seen some scoff and simply sign their name.
Here's a pianist that I would love an autograph from someday-my students still love to play Billy Joel, and I adored playing the last two minutes of this clip in 1978.
Heh, heh! I'll bet they do a double take when you ask them "Can you sign this to the kids in my piano class?" I'm glad some of them take the signing so seriously. And who is the woman in the autographed photo? I can't read the name and I don't recognize the face.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! A collection that encourages you as well as looks wonderful in the room! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Roy! The woman is Lorie Line, famous around these parts as the Dayton's Department store pianist made good. She puts on gala holiday events in the midwest. Some of my students swoon over her music and costumes.
ReplyDeleteWhatever works to motivate right?
She is lovely. I was wondering the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI always use a picture of Lorie Line to show my teen girls that they can have glamorous nails, but shorter, like Lorie's. Works great. Who wouldn't want to look like her!?
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you're a great teacher. You know that there is more to teaching than scales and metronomes.
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your TT posts, they're literally musical and metaphorically lyrical. I wish, wish, wish, my parents had 'forced' me to continue playing the piano . it's now sitting (baby grand) in my brother's house and is host to little more than Fleur D'Lys, although my nephew's girlfriend has been playing lately and it's lovely to hear it again. Continue to inspire your student's they're lucky!
ReplyDeleteDang! Roy asked first but now glad for the intro! 'Tis a really cool idea, tha twall of yours! Happy TT and week-end :)
ReplyDeleteI have nothing but admiration for those who teach music. What a great idea your wall is!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me that I owe the offspring's band teacher an email...
An inspiration collection. What a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteI have written several songs (I posted one on your earlier post.) This is an excellent take on the TT theme. Thanks for sharing.