I’ve had several months of lesson, as I could afford them. I learned most of my piano technique during piano proficiency group class at WSU. I grew the most during 2010 when I was the primary pianist at my church for nine months. At first I had to practice an hour a day to learn all the repertoire. The song leader had me learn about fifty songs, in batches of about ten a week. I found the fastest way to improve on an instrument is to have to perform weekly, in public. For me, avoiding embarrassment was a huge motivational factor. I enjoyed playing the songs and miss being with the children, now that I’m doing something different.

I’m still performing weekly for church. I’m playing hymns, which are more difficult than the children’s songs, but I have only three songs to learn a week.

My husband took piano lessons for eight years. He’s much better at playing lots of notes at the same time. I’m better at reading keys with lots of sharps or flats. I’m better at playing scales (piano proficiency class). He’s better at accompanying. We like playing together. If we’re sight-reading we might each take one hand and then we can play most music up to speed.