“If music be the food of love, play on…” Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

Robin Smith, who introduced me to Charlotte Mason, also introduced me to one of my favorite people in Delhi, Carolyn Wetherby.  I remain indebted!

Carolyn developed a piano studio in Delhi (Adept Resource Training Services – ARTS) teaching students from over ten countries, including India.  She has been playing for over half a century, although she does not look it at all!

If the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, what a blessing when it starts out as a joy instead of a drudgery.  This is the gift of an instructor.  It is in her power to give the initial shape.  Granted, a lot also depends upon the student too, but there is no doubt that the over all effect is guided by the leader.  I myself, learned so much from Carolyn and have tried, at various times, to replicate her mode in the course of home school.

Ria is different.  I am still trying to figure out how she gauges and grasps concepts, so Carolyn was like a miracle and a balm at the same time.  Ria does love music and she expressed the desire to learn piano.  I was on Carolyn’s wait list for over a year before she had a free spot.  I am so glad I waited!  Her patience, her un-pressured but-get-it-done style got Ria to love piano and adore Carolyn!

What I loved about Carolyn was whenever I sat in on Ria’s class, it was literally calming for me!  Where I would have liked to pull my hair out and ask , “Duh?” Carolyn pleasantly took it in her stride.  She never once made Ria feel belittled even though she always encouraged her to do better.  She always looked lovely (it definitely helps to have an attractive teacher!) and gave her full focus to the class.  What was special about her recitals was that at the end, Carolyn always gave an inspiring presentation herself.  Not only did she want the best from her students, she wanted to give her best too and, I think, it gave her students something to look forward to.  It showed them that she was not exempt from practice and striving for excellence just because she was the instructor.

I am in mourning because Carolyn is leaving India to return to the US with her husband!  Both Ria and I will miss her sorely! Our loss will be some fortunate student’s gain!

This was her last recital.  It was hosted in Renuka Singh’s  lovely home.  Her daughter is also one of Carolyn’s pupils.  Lii, Adam, Brandon and I escorted our excited pianist who braved a headache for the evening and performed well.

Here are some pictures of the evening and also a couple recordings of Ria’s performance.

Carolyn accompanied Ria.  They performed Miniature Sonatina, Apple Tree Waltz, Boogie on Broadway and I’ve Got Music.  Unfortunately we missed the beginning of Carolyn’s piece, but here is most of it.  She played Mozart’s Sonata in G major and it was very impressive!

Thank you, Carolyn, for your labor of love and infusing passion into the art of music to your students – and their Mom’s!  Some of the mothers got together and presented Carolyn with flowers and a cake that resembled her business card (the whole music, food and love connection was sweet!).  I think she was pleasantly surprised and I know for a fact that I was not the only mother to tear up!