I started writing music when I was five. My mother wouldn’t let me play piano unless I played “real” music but felt I was too young to start lessons. So I had to stop my “banging” and start being consistent. “Balloom” and “Rainbow” made it to my Top 2 list at home, and when I was seven I got to start lessons like my five older brothers and sisters.

I got into the Conservatory the day before my 18th birthday. It was one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever gotten. Coming to Oberlin was scary, though — there wasn’t much competition at my private school back in Georgia.

I came for composition and I loved it. The challenge was the scariest and greatest thing for me, but it was tough to be scrutinized. After some sketchy Conservatory politics, I ended up graduating with a B.A. in Music Composition.

I wanted to continue to utilize my music degree while volunteering in Cleveland. I started a program at our women and children’s shelter teaching kids piano lessons on a donated piano. I met with our Child Advocate Coordinator to discuss clients and their probable length of stay at our shelter. They can stay for up to a year, and with this kind of program, it’s better to have the long-term kids involved.

I’ve had up to 10 students, and it’s been the most amazing experience in the world. I came in a little wet behind the ears with the whole process, though. I’d assumed if I only let kids of reading age in the program that they would be able to read.

One of my students was a five-year-old girl. She hadn’t learned to read yet, so it was a challenge to find ways to teach her how to do things. I spent several weeks trying new methods, and none of them clicked in her mind until one day I said the right words and she got it. It was one of the most amazing days because not only did I meet the challenge, but she was better for it. She loves the piano and now I can teach it to her effectively.

I’ve not only become the “piano lady” to these kids, but also someone they can trust.

My professors at Oberlin taught me some of the “basics” and beyond, and that is what I strive to teach my students. But what are these “basics?” The basics are more than just theory, scales and writing skills. They are confidence, relationships, dedication, determination, practice skills, hard work, results, challenges and many more. These basics are beyond music skills, but I’ve seen music bring these qualities out of kids in ways that never had been before.

My favorite part about the whole experience is how circular it really is. I learn these basics from my students all the time. I hope I can be as successful.