Monday, May 8, 2023 by William Suit | Uncategorized

It is the end of the school year and for most of our students it's a time to evaluate how progress is going toward goals.  Many wonderful accomplishments have been achieved as we moved through 2022-2023.  

Today we officially announce the Golden Owl Awards.  These are generally given to students intermediate-advanced who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their instruments and to reaching the goals set for the year.  In addition, the instructors weigh artistic ability and other factors to determine the person who has achieved this.  It is not an easy choice, because we all have such wonderful students who are eligible. Here are the results of this year's choices:

Ari Friedman
student of Will Suit

Arjun Ramakrishnan 
student of Jackson Hodges

Knox Weggler
student of Eriko Ishikawa

Congratulations!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 by William Suit | Uncategorized

I loved piano as a child and it's been a lifelong relationship with the keyboard.  That's a picture of me around 1979-80.  I think we all look back and say, "If I had known then what I know now..." at some point in our lives.  If I could have another go, maybe I would major in Organ.  I think I would have been very good, maybe even awesome at playing! At this point, I am not losing any sleep over it, but it would have been a terrific journey.

It takes a lot of work and sacrifice to be good at something.  That includes playing your instrument.  Our society is often very bent on knowing the material value of everything.  "How much does it cost?"  "What is it worth?"  "What do I get?" These are valid questions when buying a car, a house, an entertainment system or furniture.  However, in music, which is an artform, these questions can be rather offensive and miss the point.

Recently I had the privilege of touring Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA.  During our tour, the guide was asked, "What is all of this art worth?"  The guide didn't miss a beat, "No one knows.  There are so many factors involved.  There's historic value.  There's artistic value.  Some things are just priceless."  She was right!

We put a dollar sign on the time you spend with us learning music, but at the end of the day, what you gain from the study of music can be a priceless experience.  Music is intangible.  It is not a commodity.  It is art.  Yet, life is incredibly dull and less valuable without its presence.  

Some of you will take a little break from lessons for the summer.  I get it.  You have camps and trips.  I have some myself.  However, I hope you won't toss aside your time with your instrument.  Studying music goes WAY beyond the time you spend here.  If you are not going away for the summer, I think it's well worth your time to have some lessons this summer, but whatever you do, keep playing!  Enrich your fun with the presence of music.

After all, music is the constant voice beneath the progressions of life.

Will

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 by William Suit | Uncategorized

I'm looking at the calendar in utter disbelief. Today is April 20th.  Where did the time go?  I also noticed that I haven't blogged in weeks!  For shame!!!!  If I could turn back time......

We are a few days away from announcing accomplishments for the "year" at Pedal Point Music.  I'm always excited and apprehensive, because I know how very hard most of our students work at reaching goals in their respective musical areas of study.  There are some students that demonstrate outstanding talent and dedication to such study.  The reward for all of it is in the love for the music!  

I remember more than once having a parent whisper in my ear, "My child responds well to rewards."  Well, it's not my place to tell people how to parent.  (Although I've been there myself and know a few things about it.) However, rewards can't be a constant motivation to true accomplishment in music.  At some point, the "heart" of playing or singing needs to kick in.  That's a huge reward!  It is intangible and hard to abandon.

One of the greatest joys I have in teaching piano is when the parent comes to me and says, "I didn't even have to tell my child to practice this week.  I heard the piano and there I found my child doing it willingly!"  To me, the quicker we can get to this point, the steadier the progress toward stated goals and independence at the keyboard.

So, over the next few days when awards and recognition takes place, even if you don't get one, step back and bask in the love you have for your music.  Embrace and walk away with that!  No one can take that away from you readily.  Own it and love what you do at the keyboard, guitar or microphone.  You are a musician and I am so proud to have you studying with us at Pedal Point Music!

Will