After my 15 year-old daughter Rachelle completed the Rice University Piano Camp in June 2008, we knew we needed to get her to a professional piano teacher.  Rachelle has always been a very talented and dedicated piano student.  She wanted to take piano lessons when she was 8 years old.  We started her out with a nice older woman.  She was kind and encouraging.  A few years later we switched Rachelle to a teacher who expected much from her and really developed her confidence and dynamic abilities.  She learned how to really play LOUD.  Unfortunately, this teacher moved out of state.  The next teacher she had gave her exposure to lots of music.  Rachelle had the wonderful ability to sight-read quite well.

In mid-July we started her piano training with a professional pianist, Khoren Ouzounian.  HE IS WORTH EVERY DOLLAR!  Technique, technique, technique!  Rachelle had her first Master Class Recital last Saturday, Sep. 26.  We felt very overdressed walking in wearing concert attire when everyone else had on jeans and a polo shirt.  That's okay- now we know.  Khoren had the students play every song they had memorized in the last 3 months.  Rachelle had around seven I think.  After each piece, Khoren critiqued them.  His philosophy is to have the students perform in front of people often to help with the stage fright.  Every student is working to pass the Piano Guild their Senior year of high school.  It is tough, I hear.  Rachelle is a Sophmore this year.

I think Rachelle has made lots of progress with her technique and expression.  I love sitting in lessons because, as a violin teacher I really appreciate the vast knowledge and talent Khoren has.  I am learning things that apply to violin teaching.  Listen to one of her songs I uploaded.  It is by Bach, No. 1- Prelude in C major.