Ten Years Is A Long Time With One Student...I'm So Blessed To Have Had Her In My Studio!

She has grown up and is now going across the world to other adventures.  Dominique Del Calzo was my first piano student after moving to Lakewood.  She has become a friend, almost like a daughter.  I'm so glad God put her in my life ten years ago.

I asked Dominique to write a testimonial for me. (See below.) I cried when I read it.  We never know how we are affecting other people's lives...unless they tell us.

"Ten years is a long time, and spending a decade stretching your fingers to reach an octave, tapping your foot to keep rhythm, or straining your ears to hear one note may not seem like fun to you; but for me, it has been a blast!

When I was about seven years old, my mother approached Mrs. Robison hoping that she would take me on as a piano student. I wasn't athletic due to my health, and in our community if you didn't do sports, you basically did nothing. Our opportunities were limited. Fortunately Mrs. Robison had just moved to the area. At my mother's request she opened her home to me to teach me.  I eagerly began my lessons and have been learning how to play ever since.

Mrs. Robison's lessons were phenomenal. She was patient and caring. She taught me not just scales, dynamics, chords, and sight reading, but also how to appreciate God and His many blessings. You will find her music theory work even helps in every day school. And with electronics a staple in her lessons, she kept me entertained even as a restless middle schooler. Her methods, though they may seem crazy at first, really work! Everything she has incorporated into her work has helped my musical abilities, as well as my heart to grow.

In a just a few short hours I will be walking across Maple Grove Junior-Senior High School's stage to receive my high school diploma. But, before I do that, I have to say goodbye to piano lessons with Mrs. Robison. Today, June 21, 2013 is my last day as her student and the half hour I will spend with her will be a bittersweet one indeed. If anyone is looking to take piano lessons, I would not even think twice before recommending her. She is the best teacher I have ever had, and for that I am so grateful.

I would like to thank her for her prayers. I would like to thank her for my 18th birthday and graduation gift. I would like to thank her for making Christmas music the highlight of my winter season. I would like to thank her for teaching me to teach myself. I would like to thank her for listening to all the crazy music I listen to and allowing me to play it. I would like to thank her for teaching me history and embracing the future.

Most of all, I would like to thank her for being there through it all.  Mrs. Robison, you truly are an inspiration and great role model for all students. Thank you for what you have given me in these ten years we have had together. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank YOU!

Love,

Dominique Del Calzo

Student 2003 - 2013"

Here is a video snippet of her last lesson pieces (less than a minute)

I'm sad to see her go; but excited for what the future holds for this special young lady.