Playing the piano has always been a huge part of my life. 14 years is a long time to stick with something. Piano, or music in general, has never been something that has come naturally to me. It's something that I've always had to fight and work for. Through the past 14 years, I've learned a lot about myself, music and the people around me. piano and music has brought me closer to myself and my family and friends.

Lesson one:

Just because you aren't good at something doesn't mean you won't be good at it without practice. They say practice makes perfect, and though I don't think that perfect is actually a thing, practice does make improvement. I can work on a piece for hours and hours and make absolutely no improvement. But if I walk away from it and take another try at it nine times out of ten it gets better.

Lesson two:

Playing a musical instrument makes you a better person. Maybe this rule doesn't apply to everyone but I know for a fact playing the piano has made me a better person. It has made me determined to do better at things that don't come naturally to me. It has forced me to push myself to do things I didn't think I could do. It has made me more compassionate to others and appreciate everyones' talents and abilities.

Lesson three:

Music opens your mind. I have been exposed to so much culture because of playing the piano. I have learned about both contemporary and classical artists. I've learned about their lives and the places they lived. Because of music I have a much bigger and broader sense of the world and the fine arts because of it.

Lesson four:

Piano makes me, me. I wouldn't be who I was without music. Music makes me a stronger person, it makes me more confident, and it makes me proud to be who I am. Music is my outlet and it's where I find comfort. The second I feel stressed or get a headache I know I have the piano to turn to and play.

Lesson five:

I wouldn't be able to do it without my friends, family and my mentor. My friends express how proud they are of me for my musical accomplishments. My family pushes me to do better. And my mentor, Mr. Smernoff makes it all worth it. I wouldn't be the person I am today without him and his musical guidance through the majority of my life. Not only has he been my piano teacher for 14 years but a life mentor and a friend. I will forever be thankful for the impact he and our beloved musical instrument has had on the impact of my life. Things truly wouldn't be the same without them.