1. How old were you when you started lessons?
I was 6 years old.
2. Why did you start taking lessons?
My older sister started taking them the year before and I really wanted to learn how to play too!
3. What was your favorite part about lessons?
Everything about lessons was fun for me: learning new pieces, growing as a musician, and just having fun with music!
4. What kept you going when lessons were challenging?
I always strive for that feeling of success when I finally played a difficult piece perfectly.
5. What is your favorite memory from music lessons?
I don't really have a specific favorite memory, but
whenever
I had a bad day going to piano cheered me up every time!
Now:
1. How has music study influenced the person you are today?
Music has broadened my horizons as I truly believe it is the universal language. Whether it is listening to music, playing piano, or obnoxiously singing with friends, music is my escape from reality and keeps me smiling.
2. In your opinion, what is the greatest benefit of music study for people your age?
Since people my age are usually very busy and have a lot of change going on in their lives, music allows us to reconnect to who we are and take a break from reality.
3. What advice would you give younger music students?
If you love music, you will always find time to incorporate it into your life even if it isn't your top priority, so don't stop!
4. Do you still get nervous when you play in front of people?
YES!
5. What is your favorite piece of music or composer- and why?
I love a variety of music, but a lot of my favorite pieces were composed by Mozart (such as Fantasia in D Minor and Sonata in C Major). I love the dramatic transitions incorporated in his pieces!
6. Practice tips?
Practicing shouldn't feel like a chore, it should be fun! Play the songs that you feel like playing as it will change day to day - and don't be afraid to step back and review the basics!
7. What is your biggest achievement in music so far?
I'm not big on performing, so I don't exactly have a big musical achievement. However, I am proud that I have chosen to continue to take lessons despite quitting three times!
Kathleen Leone
Then:
1. How old were you when you started lessons
I had just turned six.
2. Why did you start taking lessons?
My older sister took lessons, and I had been begging my mom to let me take lessons for a while, so she signed me up for a summer group class at Rhapsody. I then went on to take private lessons with Chris that fall.
3. What was your favorite part about lessons?
Everything! Chris was (and still is) an amazing teacher. I've never had a boring lesson with him. He definitely passed his passion for music on to me.
4. What kept you going when lessons were challenging?
Chris, mostly. Also, as a kid I was extremely competitive. I honestly wanted to be the best, and was sure I could be if I worked hard enough.
5. What is your favorite memory from music lessons?
Chris used to name the colored pencils we would use to mark fingerings on my music. There was a short red pencil that we called "the mosquito" and Chris would make the most annoying mosquito sound whenever he used it. Greatest teacher ever.
Now:
1. How has music study influenced the person you are today?
Playing the piano has been a part of my life for thirteen years. It's who I am. It has given me many opportunities and advantages throughout life, and I wouldn't give it up for the world.
2. In your opinion, what is the greatest benefit of music study for people your age?
For me, music is freeing, stress-relieving, and comforting. Beyond that, sight reading comes in handy all the time, especially in theatre. Being a musical person really puts one at an advantage.
3. What advice would you give younger music students?
There will always be someone better than you. Don't worry about it. I have a Theodore Roosevelt quote painted on my mirror: "Comparison is the thief of joy." Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday, and be even better today. Don't be discouraged by other people's talent, be inspired!
4. Do you still get nervous when you play in front of people?
Having performed at so many Rhapsody recitals, I don't get nervous there. When I perform at a competition, audition, or really any other concert, I still get pretty nervous.
5. What is your favorite piece of music or composer- and why?
I'm in love with musical theatre, so my favorite composer at the moment would have to be Lin-Manuel Miranda, the writer of the musical Hamilton. My favorites change all the time, though. I also love Chopin, Debussy, and Sondheim. 6. Practice tips?
Take the hard songs one measure at a time. Play the hard measures in a loop and repeat them until they're perfect. Also, when you get frustrated, don't give up, but feel free to take a quick break and come back to the song with a clear mind.
7. What is your biggest achievement in music so far?
Either being the pianist in The Children's Theatre of Madison's "Music Lesson", or singing with the Madison Opera at Opera in the Park 2015.
