Who was your first music teacher and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

Billie Augsburger in Wheaton, IL. I understand that she was a concert pianist, but left the stage to get married. She must have been in her early 20s at the time. When she taught me, she was probably in her 50s. One of her children was in the US Army, and so she often reminded me to "Be all that you can be." There was also a Bible verse at the head of one of her forms. It read, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all thy might."

My first teacher was my Gran who taught me to keep it fun. Then, Mrs. Frost at the local music store who taught me to perform at recitals and I loved that experience.

My first real teacher was Michael Pollon at the Westchester Conservatory of Music in White Plains, NY.( I think Garrick may have studied with him too, since we both lived in Westchester….) the thing I remember most about him was his humility. He was one of the most extraordinary musicians I ever met, and still, he was kind, patient and humble. He changed my life.

My first and only piano teacher was Ruth Flynn Reese of Denver, CO. She was very demanding and taught in a no-nonsense way, but I am so glad my mother took me to her upon recommendation from a family friend who was a pianist herself. I studied technique and theory with Mrs. Reese for 9 years and felt I had an excellent preparation. My greatest regret is that I quit lessons with her my senior year of high school and was not able to continue to the conservatory she had in mind for me. However, I resumed piano on my own, studied music briefly in college although I did not continue as a music major. I have been able to use my pianistic skills as a collaborative musician, teacher, and church accompanist. Although, my skills fall short of the most advanced levels, I am a proficient pianist, excellent sight reader, and lover of music. I continue to make my living as a musician and feel I owe it all to Mrs. Reese.  I only wish I could let her know how much I value and appreciate all the musical knowledge and skill she imparted to me, however she passed away many years ago.