For Amelia and her mom, Christina, something truly special started with a simple Google search.
Christina had dabbled in singing as a child, but had little other musical background and had always wished she could learn to play the piano. When her young daughter showed interest many years later, it seemed the time might be right for a new musical adventure.
“Amelia just loved music since she was two or three years old,” Christina says. “So when she was old enough, she became curious about it. She had a little keyboard at home, and we got her into lessons at 232 when she was four. She instantly fell in love with it. It’s been fun for me to watch. I’ve even been able to learn a little bit along the way with her.”
Five years later, she’s still growing.
“I think we found 232 on Google,” Christina says—an introduction that might have felt random at the time. “Once we got started, it was just such a great experience and they built such a good community for her there that we actually have to keep her from going in too early to her lessons because she’s so excited to chat with the staff. There’s no other place for us.”
Initially, shyness might have held Amelia back from the musical leap—but Christina says these piano lessons and the unique model they follow has given Amelia a new kind of bravery and perseverance.
“It’s been really positive,” Christina says. “It gives her the chance to step outside her comfort zone. We love the semi-annual performances for that extra growth option as well. Being able to practice and continue to make progress at home through the computer is really beneficial for her.”
The growth goes deep, even on the harder days.
“As she’s getting older, there’s been a little bit of slow down in the desire to practice, especially as the songs get more challenging,” Christina says. “But that’s good for her. When she does get that song, I think she has that extra sense of pride because it is more challenging. I love that piano has taught her that everything in life is like practice. Practice makes perfect no matter what you’re doing. And I think that piano has really instilled that mindset in her—if I wanna get better, I gotta work at this.”
When persevering gets hard, Christina says 232 has surrounded Amelia with unusual support and encouragement.
“There’s always support there,” Christina says. “Sometimes we have to move classes around, and there are different class options to meet different schedules. That’s been a huge factor for us in being able to get her to her lessons. The studio is so easy to work with. The staff is consistent, so that consistency really helps her.”
“She’s growing, not only as an artist, but as a person.”
Christina
Sharing the gift of music with others has been a rewarding journey for both mother and daughter.
“She likes to take some of her songs to her school music class and play them for her friends,” Christina says. “Being able to share that with her friends and family is probably her favorite part of all of this, and one of my favorite parts as well.”
Christina says the most exciting part of their family’s experience at 232 has been watching Amelia develop character and life skills through her time at the bench and on the stage.
“She is growing, not only as an artist, but as a person,” Christina says. “You can see those lessons that she’s learning at the piano reflected in her life.”
Do you or your child want to jump into a new season of growth? Contact us for an introductory lesson here. We’d be thrilled to share more of what makes us special with you and your family!
