There are moments in life that stop you cold—not because they’re loud, but because they’re full. And during this recital, I had one of those moments. Sitting in the audience, watching the kids I’ve taught for six, seven, even ten years absolutely light up the stage, I thought: This is it. This is the dream.
I was overwhelmed in the best way. Gratitude, pride, disbelief. I was misty-eyed and full-hearted, thinking I get to do this? I get to be part of their journey? Most of these students have been with me through nearly a decade of lessons, setbacks, growth spurts, breakthroughs—and watching them take the stage with courage and joy? It felt like my heart was singing right along with them.
Let me tell you about the magic they brought to the stage:
Carissa
Carissa opened the show with “Popular” from Wicked—and let me tell you, the name fits. This girl is as busy and beloved as they come, juggling dance and school and somehow still making time for music. We had to get creative this year when practice time became scarce, so I introduced the melodica—and she fell in love. For the recital, though? She opted for piano (braces + melodica = no thank you), and she lit up the keys with her signature Carissa sparkle. Oh, and she brought stickers for Ella, just because. This kid radiates joy.
Ella
Ella is pure entertainment wrapped in sass and musicality. She played “Ode to Joy” and “Morning Theme”—but not without some flair. Picture this: she’s mid-performance, slowly turning her head to stare into your soul. I told her it was creepy. She did it anyway. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Then, she casually added her own left-hand chords to “Ode to Joy”—completely unprompted. She’s got an ear, a brain, and a whole lot of personality. Keeps me on my toes in the best way.
Isaac
Thunderstorm? More like theatrical masterpiece. Isaac brought the sound and the drama. I added rainsticks and cymbals to set the mood because if we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it big. This is the same kid who once performed with rubber chickens and pointer fingers—so yeah, we’re not exactly traditional. But he owned it. And now he’s taking that same piece to his school talent show. Iconic.
Charlie
His older brother brought the thunder, so Charlie brought the charm—with his flute piece “Butterfly Escapade.” But of course, he had to toss in a funky chicken tune for good measure. He learned it at school just days before and couldn’t wait to show it off. Classic Charlie. And when a photo memory from one of our first lessons popped up this week? I couldn’t believe how much he’s grown. Inside and out.
Sonja
Sonja told me not to share fun facts about her… which obviously meant I had to. (She sends me accountability messages through Duolingo. Yep.) She played The Charlie Brown Theme—a beast of a piece she spent months conquering—and “Someday,” which she only started three weeks ago. She decided she wanted to do it, and she made it happen. Her grit? Unmatched.
Myla
Myla’s been with me almost 10 years. TEN. When I told her that, her jaw dropped. I still remember when she struggled to find middle C after bouncing between teachers. And now? She played two pieces with confidence and zero drama—which, if you know Myla, is a big deal. Normally she dreads performing. But after the recital, she walked up with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. It nearly broke me in the best way.
Margot
This girl told me she was nervous and didn’t want to go first. And then she turned around and played Defying Gravity like it was written for her. Her control, her expression—it was the best I’ve heard her play. Afterwards? She was grinning ear to ear, showing off her bracelet and already asking about food. Performer mode: activated. And crushed.
Blake
If you saw me sparkly and extra at the recital, you can thank Blake. She always has a theme, and I always have to match. This time, she wore a custom “Cloud Dancer” shirt her mom made—complete with sparkly clouds and a ballerina. She paired it with a white skirt, naturally. Her playing? Stunning. She’s gone from note-reader to full-on performer, and I’m so proud I could burst.
Leila
She wasn’t on the program. Wasn’t even sure she could make it. But then she walked in mid-recital and said, “I want to play.” I gave her a room and five minutes to practice—and what she performed had me sitting there with tears in my eyes. This is a student who used to resist lessons with everything she had. And now she’s walking in unannounced, grabbing a spot on the stage, and owning it. Talk about growth.
Violet
Violet is my wildcard. One day it’s ukulele, the next it’s building her own recital. (Yes, she’s planning her own summer performance with three full books.) For this recital, she chose two pieces and played them all the way through—no stops, no giggles, no self-interruptions. That’s a big leap for her. And I couldn’t help but think: this is what it looks like when a student starts to believe in themselves.
To every parent who trusted me with their kids… to every student who’s stayed curious, weird, creative, and brave… thank you.
This recital reminded me why I do what I do. These are the moments I’ll carry with me forever.
