To my piano family,
Since I started playing piano almost 13 ycars ago, I have drawn so much joy from both the escape and the challenge it provides. It was hard to see in the moment, but I can now look back and appreciate how much I have grown. The time and patience it took to secure a piece, whether it was "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Claire de Lune," occasionally felt overwhelming. However, the internal sense of accomplishment gained through putting forth the effort and seeing the final result made it worth it every time. That internal sense is amplified tenfold by the love and support I receive from my friends, family, and, of course. Ms. Marina.
Without the encouraging atmosphere at every recital and lesson, I would not be where I am today. To all of the families lucky enough to also work with Ms. Marina, thank you for your boundless kindness and for always showing up for your own kids and every piano student. To my parents, thank you for encouraging me to stick with piano even when five-ycar-old me got frustrated, and for sulfering through my late-night practice sessions. Lastly, to Ms. Marina, thank you for being my unwavering source of motivation to keep appreciating the joy of piano.
Above all, your weckly words of encouragement and radiant positivity keep my love for piano alive. For nearly 9 years. I have looked forward to seeing you every Tuesday night. The personal interest you take in my academic success, my language-learning journey, and my overall well-being means the world to me. Even when I show up tired and somewhat unprepared (sorry about that), your smiling face and empathetic attitude always lift my spirits. I could not ask for a better piano teacher, and I know we will stay in touch long afer I leave for UT Mustin.
Merci beaucoup pour tout! Sincerely. 1. May 19th, 2024, Isabella Kenney.
Ms. Marina
I remember my first lesson with you was on my 10th birthday. I felt so welcome and was so excited to come back the following week. I have love getting to learn such a wide variety of pieces from you. Defying Gravity to Fur Elise to Turn He Ho. Thank you for being so understanding when I wasn't able to practice, or my piece wasn't as smooth as you had hoped. You have always encouraged me, especially when a particular difficult piece finally came together, and I am so grateful for that. Not only have I loved to getting to learn piano from you, but I have also loved improving my Spanish skills with you talking about all of our travels. Gracias por todos los recuerdos. Los extrañaré. Most of all, though, I have loved getting to know you. From talking about Colombia to Venezuela to India, it's been wonderful to share my love of travelling with you.
I wish you all the best for the future and hope you enjoy that extra time with family and friends post retirement!
I will for sure be back to visit! Con amor, Anya, June 2021.
As I prepare for my senior recital, I can't help but look at the last thirteen years, twenty-six recitals, and countless piano lessons that have taken place. Piano began as a fun, harmless activity my parents chose to keep me well-rounde; however, it has transformed over the years into an escape from the pressure and stresses of high school.
Mrs. Andueza piano studio has become a family tradition - my sister, brother, and two cousins all take lessons and participate in the recitals.
I truly appreciate everything that Mrs. Andueza has done for me and taught me. I will never forget the years we spent together and how patient she was on the days when my feet couldn't reach the pedals or my fingers wouldn't cooperate. I will never forget my love and skill for piano. Thank you again, Mrs. Andueza.
Evelyn Reece. May 2018.
Many things have changed throughout my life, including where I have lived, which schools I have attended, and what friends I have had, but the piano has always remained a constant among these adjustments. It has been a source of joy for not only myself , but for my family as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed each lesson with you, and all of the many recitals in which I admired the hard work and determination that all of your students put forth into their pieces. This year presents a very big change in my life, but I know I can always fall back on the piano and remember the many memories I have made from it throughout the years. I look forward to coming home and visiting you next year. Muchísimas gracias por tu cariño y amistad durante estos cinco años.
Con mucho amor, Roxie. May 2018.
Dear Mrs. Andueza,
Thank you for the countless hours you have spent patiently and passionately teaching me in your Piano Studio. You have not only taught me piano, but also Spanish and countless life lessons. You've taught me the value of practice and perseverance. You have also given me a gift I will be able to cherish for ever. Piano is always somewhere I can go and is such a relaxing part of my day. I am so grateful for the hours you have dedicated to me. You are honestly one of the most patient, kind and passionate people I know. Everyone who encounters you should be able to gain something valuable from the experience. Thank you for everything you have done for me, my family, your Piano Studio and the Godwin Community. You have impacted many lives for the better. I'll miss you next year! I will keep in touch from college.
Best, Emily Cox. June 2015.
The biggest blessing from moving to Virginia is finding Mrs. Marina ! She has helped Zariah find her love for this gift that she has. Always making practices fun and pushing Z to go hard or go home! Thank you for everything you have done for my Z! We love you and Thank You for letting Z play one of my favorite pieces!
Ashley Amos. June 2014.
Thank you for being amazing. I have really appreciated the last four years I have spent learning piano from you. You are an incredible piano teacher, Spanish teacher, and a role model. Thank you for everything.
Love, Andrew O'Sullivan. June, 2014.
Dear Mrs. Andueza,
For Lent this year, I am writing a letter of appreciation each day. Right now I am on a service trip in Savannah, GA for spring break. The church we are staying in has a lovely piano and I was playing it and thinking of you! I would like to thank you for being an inspirational piano teacher, confirmation sponsor, Spanish teacher and neighbor for so many years. It truly feels like you are family. I remember being a little nervous about my first piano lesson but I will always be grateful that you helped me overcome my fear of performing a memorized piece and convinced me to continue with piano through middle school! All those recitals improved my confidence for things like all district band auditions, drum major tryouts and even my William and Mary interview. I learned so much in your Spanish class and it brightened my day to see you around Godwin. Thanks for being so caring and supportive. Can't wait to see you when I'm home next!
Love, Lizzie Dabbs. 2013.
Mrs. Andueza,
I can't believe that my Senior recital has come and gone!! We have talked about this day for years and if came so fast. These past nine years have been such a joy! When I began playing piano, I don't think I realized what a huge and important part of my life it would become. I am so glad it is! Thank you so much for sharing your passion for music with me over the years. I cannot begin to tell you how much I've appreciated your love and support each and everyday! I think of you not as my neighbor or teacher, but as one of my very best friends. Over the years, you have mentored me and guided me, encouraged me when I was frustrated and celebrated my successes. I cherish all of our special talks at my lessons. I truly looked forward to each one because I felt that I could tell you anything. You have always had faith in me, even when I didn't have it myself and pushed and challenged me every day. Your positive outlook and optimism permeated every endeavor we made. You have made such an impression on me. I feel that my journey through music wasn't something I did alone- it was something we did together and I am truly thankful for that! You have shared such an amazing gift with me Mrs. Andueza. Music is a friend that I will have for the rest of my life. The memories we have made together and the lessons I have learned from you will stay with me forever!. From "Firefly" to "Debussy's Clair de Lune" , I have relished, loved, and enjoyed every moment! I will miss you so much but I will think of you each time I play! Thank you for everything you have given me. I love you! And can't wait to play at recitals in the future!
Victoria Mercer. June 2008.
Through fourteen years, three state moves, and five teachers, piano has persevered. I am ecstatic now for its survival, but my parents can assure you that it has not always been that way. My appreciation for piano began its metamorphosis wight years ago, upon our move to Virginia. Despite my best efforts to quit, my parents insisted that I commit myself to piano. Now, however, I am extremely grateful to my parents for never giving in to my pleas. Through countless lessons, recitals, and challenges, they endlessly encouraged me. Thank you.
Back to metamorphosis. Each of my fourteen years with piano has been valuable, but the past eight have been especially meaningful to me. Marina started out as only another piano teacher to me, whose sole purpose was to prolong my torture as a piano student. Had I been a more mature ten year old, I would have realized how untrue this was. With time, however, my perspective changed, and so did my appreciation for piano and for her. As I improved, she introduced more challenging pieces to me, and with this challenge came interest; with this interest came passion. The demand of "real" music included that of feeling. My real love for music finally came with these pieces, and without Marina I never would have reached them. As an instructor, she is responsible for my progress; as a person she is responsible for my growth.
My parents and teachers have given me this lifelong gift of music. For that I am eternally grateful. and for one thing more. This event is something that we have always talked about, but today is actually here. The past year has been an intense one; on top of my most challenging school year, I aimed to recover nine pieces, seven of which I am able to include in this program. I wish that I could play all of them for you, as today marks the culmination of my years of work with piano. I am pleased, however, that you are here to experience it with me, and I truly hope that you enjoy the program. I wish to thank my parents for making this possible, but also Marina, for her infinite patience, encouragement, and faith in my ability to come this far. Thank you for everything , you are my teacher and my inspiration. Piano will be a permanent part of my life. and I owe this treasure to you.
Amanda Lemco. June 7, 2003.
Señora Marina,
Quería darle las gracias no solo por haber venido a mi fiesta de graduación sino también por los dos libros que me regaló. Gracias por todos los años de piano y "clases" de español. Espero poder seguir tomando clases cuando regrese de la universidad. Gracias por todo.
Cassandra Martinez. Junio, 2014.
Mrs. Andueza,
Thank you so much for many many years of piano lessons. I am so glad I started to take piano lessons and continue it to my senior year. I am so lucky to have had you as my teacher all these years and I'am so happy that you challenged me with my music. Good luck in your future and I will definitely continue to play and come visit.
Thank you, Amy Shadron. June, 2009.
Dear Señora Andueza,
You don't know how much I appreciate all that you've done for me over the years. You have touched my life in an unforgettable way and I love how I can talk to you about anything! I hope you have a relaxing summer. We definitely have to stay in touch!
Love always, Haley Walker. June 2007.
Dear Mrs. Andueza,
Thank you so much for a wonderful year of piano! Your patience and teaching skills have enabled me to grow to love playing the piano. You have broadened my musical repertoire by encouraging me to play all sorts of music. Thank you for putting in the hours of teaching each month just to help me progress. I look up to you greatly, not only as a teacher, but as a friend. Thank you for your support and may there be much piano playing for years and years to come!
Victoria Mercer. 2001.
From her essay:
My life and Music written in 2001 when she was 10 years old. I adore music and piano for many reasons. Music is a beautiful sound that flows through my ears. It relaxes my tense body and mind when I need it. Piano allows me to express my feelings while I play. Playing the piano and listening to music are enjoyable things for me to do. Piano also gives me something to do in my free time. I am very personal on why I appreciate music and piano!
On January 24, 2001 I had my first Anniversary for my discovery. I am certain that music and piano will stick with me all my life. It will always be at my side. Music has comforted me and piano has allowed me to release my emotions for 12 months so far. Even though I can't see music, I can feel and hear its presence. Music will stay in my heart as long as I live! ( Mrs. Andueza, I hope that you enjoyed my essay. The topic is something you have already found. I thought you might like to read it! Victoria P.S. You can keep it!)
Victoria Mercer, 2001.
Dalcroze. Hmmmmm. I know I brought this up on the Criticaldance board before and I was hoping this would clear it up for me, but... I'm not sure I really get this one. A system devised to teach people how to listen to and react to music, it seems more ideally suited for children who want to learn music. Perhaps it was just my being way too "left brained" to let myself go enough to understand it. The concept seems to be that, through rhythmic exercises and games, one learns to "hear" music which leads to an ability to express oneself with music, song and dance. The games were simple exercises designed to make us react to changes in music, forcing us to pay attention and listen. Maybe I really do get it. Then again, maybe I missed the point. Music always came easily to me since I did choral competitions and barber shop quartet in college. The teacher, Marina Andueza, was a completely delightful woman whose love for what she's doing is plain for all to see. I think she knew she had a tough sell to some of us, but she plowed right into the fold and did her best. It worked, too. I saw a few students who struggled with their counts at the barre earlier make progress here.
Ed Lippman. 2001.