WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Piano teacher Erin Searson is proud of how her students performed at the Renfrew Rotary Music Fest held last month.
Ms. Searson said the students took about three-and-a-half months to finesse their piece of music, which is a lot of memorizing.
Along with learning their piano pieces, they also learn the etiquette of performing in front of an audience.
“It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a crowd and perform,” Ms. Searson said, adding what they learn can be used throughout their life because there will be many times they will be in front of a crowd, and sometimes, it can be unexpectedly.
She noted that as the children grow up, they lose being
comfortable in front of people – especially if they don’t learn to be in front of people at a young age.
“The more often you do it, the easier it is, but it takes a long time to get to that place,” Ms. Searson said, adding, “I’m so proud of the kids.”
She is teaching at Cobden District Public School this year, along with being a touring musician. She has about 25 to 30 students in class and another 10 to 15 who are getting private lessons.
Ms. Searson performs with her sister Colleen and as of this week, with Kian Byrne, a multi-instrumentalist. To find out more about her band, check out searsonband.com.
