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.