Recently I had one of my advanced students take part in the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Music Competition. Rotary is a service organization that sponsors a music competition for students that are High School Age. All instruments such as piano, violin, cello, clarinet, flute, and voice all compete together and winners go on to the finals which are held at the University of Redlands later this spring. Cash prizes in the first round are $400 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. This is a great incentive for students to work hard to excel at their chosen instruments. Many students competing at this level are seasoned performers with many recitals and competitions already under their belt. This was my student Janet’s very first public performance. She had only played in front of her family and me, her teacher so this was quite a step out of her comfort zone. She did not win, however, she played very well and we were all so very proud of her. Here she plays the piece she played for the competition. It is Impromptu in E flat major opus 90, no. 2 by Franz Schubert. Janet is in the 9th grade and has been my student for 3 years. Her favorite subject in school is surprise, surprise – Math. She also enjoys reading fiction books when she can pull herself away from the piano. Both Janet and younger sister Joni, who was featured a little while ago playing a gospel arrangement of Amazing Grace, have improved significantly after acquiring a beautiful grand piano. A great instrument to practice on makes all the difference in the world on how students develop their technique and sense of musical expression. It is a pleasure to have them as my students.
Janet Plays Impromptu in E flat Major Opus 90, No. 2 by Franz Schubert in Local Competition!
