Katerina and her son Konstantin – Students of the Month for April and May in Music Lessons
Katerina’s teacher: Kristian Banatzianou
Konstantin’s teacher: Maya Mihaylova
- How did you decide to play the piano?
I started playing the piano when I was 6. I practiced for 10 years until I had to stop practicing in order to focus on school exams. I hadn’t really practiced since then. Things recently changed when I a friend asked me to test her newly bought piano placed in a magnificent house with a view to the sea…music and romance kicked in. I decided it was time to catch up and even more, improve my piano skills.
- Do you want to try another music instrument?
I would love to be able to play the guitar.
- What do you receive from the relationship with the piano? What do you feel while playing?
Playing the piano relaxes me, it helps me calm down; it empties my head of all the bad thoughts and worries. Other than that, the feeling is pure enjoyment. Sometimes, when I play a phrase in a piece that I really love; it gives me the goose bumps.
- What else can you learn from playing the instrument? What are the other advantages?
Definitely patience, self discipline and other life values like: ‘Repetitio est mater studiorum’: as my mother used to say (not only about piano of course but about all school subjects). The best part is though that the result of practicing the piano is so very rewarding…
- What kind of instrument do you have at home?
I have a Yamaha silent piano.
- What do you think about your teacher?
I am very pleased with Kristian. He challenges and encourages me and appraises my efforts. He’s very polite, extremely helpful and a very positive person. Oh… and he plays the piano magnificently!
- What would you say to other people who want to play an instrument but think it’s too late to start lessons?
It’s never too late to start playing the piano or any other instrument. Furthermore, it is neither too late nor an exaggeration to take lessons to improve yourself, advance to a further skill level and thus expand your repertoire.
- What you think about our project ‘Pillow concerts’?
‘Pillow concerts’ is a great concept; it’s a smart way to expose our kids to quality music.
- What you think about music lessons for little children?
Oh…I felt so moved last week when I watched Konstantin take his first piano lesson. He is 5 years old but very disciplined and likes following instructions. So when his piano teacher instructed him how to play a melody, he did his best to copy her. He felt very confident when the lesson ended and said that he wants to play again….
- In ‘Music Lessons’ the students have the opportunity to play in front of an audience. Would you like to take part in our next concert?
I am not used to playing in front of an audience. I am aware of my piano stage fear and am taking my actions to battle it. Unfortunately, I have not yet reached the ‘play in a concert’ milestone. Maybe in the future…