Julianna’s 12+ CYM Years 2010 – 2022

Following in her brother’s footsteps, when Julianna put down roots at CYM, she used music to maximize her strengths: she learned how to strike a healthy balance between responsibilities and goals for school, work, practice, community service, friends and family. We celebrate her graduation this summer with reflections in her own voice, and from her parents and teachers – best wishes to you all!

From Julianna:

What is your earliest memory of being at CYM? My earliest memory of being at CYM is watching my brother, Josh, learn piano at his lessons. Then, I remember it was my turn and I was getting my first music books from a cabinet at Center for Young Musicians in Wexford.

What is your favorite memory of making music? My favorite memory of making music is when I performed in Heinz Hall with my brother on a piece that I practiced regularly to get the dynamic contrast perfect. 

What encouragement can you give to a student who is having a hard time practicing? I have felt burned out many times and it would make me feel unaccomplished when I did not practice a lot. However, I have learned that it’s okay to take a break to leave and come back. This is because it makes you go back to playing because you want to rather than just because it’s a chore. 

What part has your music education played in helping you manage the challenges of high school and in taking your next steps in life? Learning music helped me learn about time management between work, social, and personal life. It has been used as an escape for me to get through difficult battles in my life. 

Describe a time when you used music to help another person get through a difficult time. When I was younger, I would compose my own music for elementary school friends to perform in front of them for my music class. Furthermore, I always try to perform my talent in nursing homes, whether in front of my grandma or strangers, to spread cheer during their tough times.

What are your plans after high school? I plan to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to major in psychology. Also, I hope to pursue law in the future as well.

From Julianna’s Parents:

Briefly describe your lessons, a special performance, or other highlights from your tenure at CYM. We’ve always had a piano in the house but it was never used until our children started taking lessons at CYM. It was a huge milestone for us when they outgrew our original piano and moved into more expressive instrument. Over the last few years it’s simply a pleasure just to listen to Julianna filling the house with music.

Describe some of the attributes your child has developed through their education and/or relationships at CYM. Piano seems to always have been a part of Julianna’s education, and she’s really grown because of what she’s learned at CYM. Her confidence performing in public is a huge benefit. But just as important her approach to practicing matured over time: first, just because it was an assignment to be completed; later to achieve practice challenge awards, then finally simply because it was a pleasure. Perhaps just as important, she’s become great friends with different teachers over the years. Each instructor had a unique and very special style.

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? Enjoy the music journey with your children! Practice is important, performances are critical milestones, support them through the tough times. And don’t forget to occasionally revisit pieces they’ve mastered in the past, it’s like catching up with an old friend.

From Sonia Tripathi: “I was so excited to begin teaching Julianna Faber since I had already been teaching her brother Joshua for several years prior. All I knew of Julianna at the time was that she was the quiet, keenly observant younger sister who seemed really serious and ready to begin her piano journey. She proved to me immediately how truly serious she was! I clearly remember her working so diligently in each lesson to drill certain sections over and over with me, never showing signs of wanting to quit, and never expressing any frustration. She practiced so consistently and in such a focused way right from day one, and her efforts were always noticed by me each week in her lessons. I remember how important it was to her to discuss the dynamics of each piece and write in all the crescendos and diminuendos. I love that she had a natural feel for jazz music so early on, and I remember how much fun it was to work on her with her jazz music from her school. She always had such a great sense of rhythm and expression, and the perfect percussive tone for the left hand bass lines!  Her wit and incisive questions made her so much fun to work with, and I know those qualities will continue to serve her well. Congratulations, Julianna!  I know you will do great things!”

From Simmi Tripathi: “By the time Julianna switched to my studio in 2017, she already had a terrific musical foundation from her previous teacher, Ms. Sonia. I quickly learned Julianna had a great sense of rhythm and had a knack for playing more jazzy-style piano pieces! I so enjoyed working with her and her brother on complicated duet music or helping her with the jazz band music she was assigned at school. Julianna is a driven student and I wish her lots of success in the next chapter! Congratulations, Julianna!”

From Grace Burns: “I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Julianna for her senior year of high school. Julianna has such a wonderful personality and enthusiasm for music, and we have really enjoyed our year together! Julianna is drawn to flowing pieces with beautiful melodies, so we’ve spent the past year focusing on Chopin, Satie, Yiruma, and Gershwin. She has such natural ability for playing a beautiful melodic line, so it’s been a treat for me to hear her play such lovely expressive pieces. She’s gotten to the point in her music reading skills, musicality, and musical instincts where she will be able to carry music into her adult life in whatever way she would like. Duquesne is so lucky to get her natural curiosity, good humor and talent. We’ll miss you Julianna!”