It's probably apparent that this blog isn't updated regularly, and I do apologize for that. For more current updates and information, the Abra West Piano Studio Facebook Page is where you will want to look. For example, our studio's MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) results were just posted there (see a copy of the text below). I must say - I am quite proud of all of my students! :)

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The results for the 2018 MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) Evaluations are in, and I am thrilled to share that all 16 of our studio's participants passed with flying colors!

In addition to 2 PERFECT SCORES, all students scored a 90% or higher on their Theory Exam, with the studio average being 96%.

88% of our participating students received Excellent ratings (the highest possible mark) on one or more of their performance requirements with the remaining students receiving the second highest possible rating, and FIVE students received an Excellent rating on ALL of their performance requirements!!

After many months of preparation, practice, and study, I am so happy that everyone's hard work is reflected with these wonderful results. I am so proud of all of my students' accomplishments and look forward to their future achievements. Congratulations!

http://www.mtac.org/programs/performance/certificate-of-merit/

​Five years ago our studio's first recital showcased 8 students and lasted only 15 minutes. Although brief, it was a huge success, and I was immensely proud of each performer for preparing well, calming their nerves, and knocking their very first recital out of the park.

Fast forward to our most recent Winter Studio Recital, which took place on December 17, 2016. We had 33 performers presenting almost two hours worth of music. A group so large, that we couldn't all fit into a single picture!

I have no words to describe how thankful I am for the hard work and dedication of all my students and their families. Without their support, the success of this studio would not be possible.

So, THANK YOU everyone. I look forward to many more wonderful recitals, and many more group pictures that we can't all fit into. <3

So many times I hear, "I've always wanted to learn piano, but I didn't have the opportunity to do so as a child and now I fear it's too late for me."

Not true! ANYONE can learn piano as long as they put in the practice and hard work.

One of my most dedicated adult students recently shared with me, "I'm slowly realizing that learning at any age is possible, and even learning something that requires fine motor control is possible even at a later age." And that's the truth.

Edna Golandsky is a classical music pianist, lecturer and pedagogue of renown. She is a graduate of the Julliard School, co-founder of the Golandsky Institute, and has lectured and conducted master classes at music institutions both nationally and internationally.

In the following video, she discusses how scientific studies have shown that age does not have an effect on the ability to learn and retain new information.

I am happy to announce that Abra West Piano Studio now has an active Facebook page! If you are a Facebook user, please head on over to facebook.com/abrawestpianostudio and "Like" the page to conveniently stay connected with the studio. I will likely be cross posting on both this website and the new page, but with the prevalence of social networking these days, I figure it's about time our studio joined the modern world!

I'm not the most active poster on this blog, however, as I was updating the Events section with a picture from our most recent Studio Recital (above), I felt compelled to express a bit of gratitude for this past year.

I feel so thankful to be able to do what I do. Teaching piano is absolutely the most fulfilling career I could have imagined. To be able to educate and inspire children (and adults!) to both learn how to play piano and, more importantly, express themselves through music is indescribably rewarding.

My studio has grown SO much in this past year, and it's been mostly due to referrals. And my students have grown as well. It isn't every day that a piano teacher is able to say that they have the best students (both as musicians and as people), but I sincerely feel that I do.

So a huge THANK YOU to all of my students and their families for supporting me and our wonderful studio to become what it is today. 2015 was an amazing year, and I look forward to more accomplishments, joy, and music making in 2016!