05/15/2025
It may have been a while since I’ve posted, but I’ve been experiencing some of the most rewarding few months of my career in this first half of 2025.
Teaching in a maximum security prison - with some students who are on death row - is not for the faint of heart. Every single week my sanity, belief in the beauty of music, knowledge, and very identity were all tested and challenged. I almost quit (twice). Our first session was supposed to have a recital- and didn’t. My plans were changed often. I waited… and waited… and waited… for the port doors to open. I was rushed out on a lockdown. I accidentally clicked my panic button device. 🤦🏻♀️ and I gave the guards at the gate something to laugh at literally every week. (Imagine me going through airport security- doesn’t go well there either!)
But in spite of the challenges, the slow progress, the setbacks- May 13, 2025 we had a successful combined groups piano recital. Seeing these students- men who at first seemed intimidating- feel the nervous energy that always accompanies performances, the incredible relief after sharing music from their heart, and then the momentary LIFT in their hearts as their audience and classmates erupted in applause and cheers for them- was inspiring and rewarding.
We ended the concert with a piano ensemble of “Lean on Me.” 10 pianos, one percussionist, me mouthing all “1-2-3-and-4-and” over and over. 🤣
I loved this experience. Music is powerful. It brings life and light to the darkest places of the world.
