Daniel Spear’s 15+ Years at CYM (2006 – 2022)

Daniel has dedicated thousands of hours to music practice – on piano, flute, and piccolo – and started training very early in life. Graduating this year from CYM, and from Seneca as Valedictorian, he wouldn’t go a day without listening to, playing, or sharing a favorite song. We caught up here:

What is your earliest memory of being at CYM?

“I remember my Twinkler classes. They were a fun way to play with other kids, while subconsciously learning important music skills. We would walk in a circle and beat out a rhythm on a drum or with a shaker and without formally being told, learn the different time signatures.”

 What is your favorite memory of making music?

“One summer, I took a guitar class. It was fun to follow my older sister’s footsteps and learn a very different type of stringed instrument.”

 What encouragement can you give to a student who is having a hard time practicing?

“It’s ok to not practice every day. While you do get better with more practice, if you practice when your heart really isn’t into it, it can lead to more harm than good. Bad practice reinforces mistakes. Use music and practice as a way to enjoy life and the beauty of music.”

 What part has your music education played in helping you manage the challenges of high school and in taking your next steps in life?

“Music education for me continued in high school as I played the flute and piccolo there in both the Wind Ensemble (flute) and marching band (piccolo). Music was part of my school day every day and during football season twice a day for three of the five days.”

 Describe a time when you used music to help another person get through a difficult time.

“I enjoy listening to all types of music. I am a huge Swiftie. I use Taylor’s music to help me cope with some difficult times and share her music with my friends and family too when they need a pick-me-up. I even wrote a 4-5 page literary analysis of all 17 songs on the FolkLore album, plus an intro, conclusion and love triangle with three of the songs for my senior graduation project. I don’t go a day without listening to some type of music.”

From Mom, Katie:

Briefly describe your lessons, a special performance, or other highlights from your tenure at CYM.

“As a parent, all memories hold a special place in your heart. It’s great to reflect on how moving from all the variations of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and even the fun movement exercises in childhood early development classes lead to later playing complex classical pieces or even modern pop music. Although each teacher has held a special role in this progression, I’d like to thank Grace Burns and Sonia Tripathi for their dedication and working with my child to make music something that can be used to take the stress away (and escape) from the stress of academia and today’s society.”

What can you share with parents of younger students in regard to what you see as the benefits of “sticking with it”, now that your child has graduated from high school?

“One of the biggest things that I think makes it all worthwhile to “stick with it” is that young children that are trained to learn music by ear even if they switch later to reading music only, have a huge advantage. They can hear a piece of music and sit down and play the melody. They can read music and easily memorize by sound and finger memory sections of the music so that they don’t need to refer to the printed music 100% of the time.”

Describe some of the attributes your child has developed through their education and/or relationships at CYM.

“I think one of the best attributes that being a music student at CYM has provided is the ability to express oneself in front of others with less fear. It has also taught that mistakes do happen and if you just continue on whether it’s playing an instrument or public speaking most people other than you won’t even know that a mistake happened as long as you don’t stop or try to correct it.”

From former piano teacher, Sonia Tripathi:

“My first memories of working with Daniel are having him in group class starting in 2009. I believe I started teaching him private piano lessons soon afterward. He was in a class that included a couple of witty and energetic kids; he and I quietly bonded by glancing over at each other with knowing eyes when mischief ensued! He was always studious, super intelligent and an extremely methodical student in every way. I knew every week that assignments would come back meticulously done, always showing signs of consistent work and effort. I always enjoyed hearing him perform with duet partners each year, especially with classmate, Carson. They had a great musical chemistry and rapport and always worked together as such a great team to achieve such polished performances! I loved returning to CYM to hear a graduation recital (of one of the Suzuki volumes) soon after I had left the school, and it was just so special to hear how he had so beautifully transitioned into the care of Ms. Grace and how much he had already grown musically in the few months that I had been gone! I’m so proud of his achievements and wish him all the best in his next endeavors. I will always firstly remember though, the shy, sweet 5 year old, needing 2 cushions and the footstool on the highest setting, back in 2009 when we first met. How time flies – congratulations, dear Daniel!”

From current piano teacher, Grace Burns:

“Over our past 5 years of study together, it’s been a delight for me to see how much Daniel has contributed to the CYM community. A highly involved student over the years, they have participated in all kinds of events — playing at the Benedum in a Nutcracker pre-show, in zoom recitals, at the St James Church Music Plus series, as a duo partner for piano duets at ensemble concerts, at Wintergarten, and countless others. 

Daniel’s solid understanding of theory and strong note reading skills have enabled us to get through a lot of different pieces and styles over the years. We have covered everything ranging from classical era sonatas by Beethoven, more lyrical pieces by Chopin and Satie, character pieces by Grieg, reaching all the way into newer music like jazz and pop. Through all, I’ve always been so impressed by how Daniel can retain a completely individual sound and interpretation while still playing each piece with the correct style for the era and composer.  Playing a piece really well goes so beyond just mastering the notes, and I’ve had few students who were so willing to put in the careful attention to getting every detail.

The quiet focus and intentionality that I’ve seen in our lessons over the years will serve Daniel well in the future. Daniel, I will miss you immensely! Purdue, you are so lucky!”