November 2004 Newsletter

 

Finally able to catch my breath, I can resume our monthly newsletter.

First, I would sincerely like to thank all the very generous donors who made the renovations to move the Steinway into the sanctuary possible.  Many of you were there at the dedicatory concert and I know were pleased with the location AND that wonderful sound.  Proper lighting will soon be installed as the final step.

Our first DSM Marathon Concert on October 23rd was also a lovely event.  The students played well and the subdued element the sanctuary gave the concert was a welcome dimension to the performances.

November 18th, Thursday at 8 PM, will be Steve Teti’s JAZZ CONCERT.  The one he gave last year was a great success with a huge and enthusiastic audience.  I’m sure this will be the same.  Please try to come.

Looking ahead, on December 11th at 8 PM (Saturday) will be the Christmas Concert with “LaTanya Hutchins, soprano, and Friends”.  I know the Christmas season is chaotic but I hope you will find this a pleasant and peaceful interlude.

As most of you know, I have been appointed Artist in Residence in Piano at the Stevens Institute of Technology.  I now have 7, one- hour students each week from and am thoroughly enjoying each of them.  With each of them being so bright, eager, enthusiastic and loving music, how could I not.  However, my teaching schedule is very overloaded.  In terms of my health, I am accepting no new students unless they are advanced and exceptional and maybe have to cut down on my present schedule in September of 2005.  I’ll just have to see how well I weather the new schedule.  Should I need to cut down on my teaching next September, I will make sure there is someone on the staff of the DSM who is capable and willing to take the overflow.

Please keep in mind, with my heavy schedule there is very little time for make-ups and totally missed lessons are a cardinal sin with my students as far as I am concerned.  Try to keep the responsibility of your time scheduled each week foremost when there are choices that have to be made.  Very often the piano lessons seem to be the last priority—which usually hurts the student.  It takes at least two weeks to get someone back to where they were when they miss ONE lesson.  This roller-coaster kind of teaching is not worth my time or your money.

We are discussing a project of DVDs and CDs of all the “Great Music at St. Matthew Trinity” concerts.  DSM concerts are part of that.  I will keep you informed of developments in that area.

Feel free to contact my by phone or preferably email with any questions.

PLEASE MAKE SURE I HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS FOR EACH OF YOU.

Most Sincerely,

Phillip Dieckow