Dear Piano Teacher,

Thank you for being someone like a second mom to me. You are not only a great teacher, but a great person as well.

Thank you for letting me choose my own songs. The first piano song that I chose was Ballade Pour Adeline by Richard Clayderman, and it made me fall in love with playing piano, piano performance, and music. By letting me choose my own pieces, I have been able to cultivate music as my own interest, not someone else's. You've made music enjoyable for me because you have never pressured me into achieving a certain level or winning a certain competition, allowing all of my championships and CM tests scores to be something that I wanted and achieved for myself.

Thank you for making sure that I enjoy the music that I play, and offering advice over the phone or coming over to my house for some last minute technical supervision. I have taken lessons from you since I was four years old, and you seem to know what style I have and the type of songs that I enjoy. You have made amazing song recommendations, such as Debussy's "First Arabesque" and Schubert's "Impromptu," but always after knowing that I would like the song. When I performed "First Arabesque," I was truly able to appreciate not only the skill, but the interpretation of piano playing. I couldn't have had a better teacher to mentor me through this beautiful piece. I am constantly humbled by your own piano ability and amazed that I have had the opportunity to learn from such an amazing mentor and person, right next door.

Thank you for being patient with me when I do not practice and comforting me when I am stressed about schoolwork. Thank you for making your living room a refuge for me to express my emotions. Thank you for pushing me in a way that doesn't feel like a push -- reminding me that the quality of my playing is as good as I want it to be.

I hope that I will continue to incorporate music into my life, whether personally or professionally. I know you have had high hopes for me pursuing it as a career, and I will never, ever, ever, be able to express my gratitude for your support in my decision to pursue business in college. I hope I can incorporate music into my life in the future because I can't imagine not doing anything about it. I love you very much, and thank you for everything you have done for me. I hope I will not disappoint you as a student.

Love,

Kristin Lee