Passed Down Passion

Music has generational impact. One of the most beautiful things we see at 232 is the way families pursue music together. Brendon and his family are one exciting example.

Brendon’s mother is deeply musical, playing multiple instruments as well as singing. She had grown up playing the piano, after her dad, Brendon’s grandfather, had also played. She started teaching home piano lessons, and tried to instruct a young Brendon. After some time learning at home, Brendon started getting lessons from neighbors in junior high and high school.

“At the time, it wasn’t a big focus for me,” Brendon says. “It wasn’t until later in college that I really wished I had better piano skills, because all my roommates were really good players. I knew I could have done that well if I wanted to. Then I got married, went to graduate school, and got busy. One day, I was practicing the piano, just playing a song, and I realized I hadn’t progressed in my skill level at all in decades. I really wanted to make this a priority. I wanted to get better. And that eventually led me to 232.”

Brendon’s own kids actually started classes at 232 first. His wife came home after one of their first lessons, and told him about 232’s adult program.

“I wanted to go check it out, and I actually drove over that same day,” Brendon says. “I met Rachelle, and she gave me some info. We set up an appointment for my introductory session in August 2024.”

With a strong musical support system now in play, Brendon is gaining ground.

“Little by little, I’m growing,” Brendon says. “I’m practicing more. I have more accountability. There’s a really beautiful piece from a TV show called “Battlestar Galactica” that I wanted to play, so I got it out just two days ago. I wanted to see where I’m at. While it’s not perfect, and it’s something that I have had to struggle through, I’m doing it! I love how practicing regularly is helping me learn how to play a song I like, even without sheet music. That has been a cool experience for me.”

A big part of Brendon’s success has been the studio’s consistent encouragement. “There is a lot of camaraderie, friendship, and support,” Brendon says.

It’s hard to be your own cheerleader. Sometimes, especially when you’re a perfectionist, you beat yourself up. At 232, there’s somebody encouraging you and seeing your progress and noticing it, helping you also see where you’ve progressed.

Brendon

Brendon’s kids have had a similar experience. After trying one-on-one piano lessons somewhere else for a couple of years, Brendon says his son and daughter weren’t feeling the joy.

“It was always more instruction and less playing,” Brendon says. “They got kind of turned off, and started hating lessons. At 232, they really like the atmosphere. My daughter likes having classmates. She is making noticeable progress, doing a new song every week. My son likes having the headphones so that people don’t hear him playing until he’s ready. I’ve noticed he’s just more interested in playing too. He loves figuring songs out on his own. He’d never done that before!”

For Brendon, this renewed excitement in his kids coupled with his own personal growth has been invigorating.

“I love that I’ve been able to grow and increase my skill level,” Brendon says. “Having that direct guidance…to ask questions and get answers. I like that.”