Réka’s 12+ Years
Another amazing young person, having used music to build a network of friends and a habit of sharing with others, begins her transition to college. Congratulations Reka! We are so proud of you and appreciative of your family’s support of your endeavors in music!
CYM Grad Reka answers a few questions here:
What is your earliest or favorite memory of making music?
I used to LOVE duet days in the American Legends group class! We would split off in pairs, practice together, and then perform our pieces for everyone at the end. Then after class, we would run around in the yard and climb the tree behind the parking lot.
What part has your music education played in helping you manage the challenges of high school and in taking your next steps in life?
It has always been therapeutic to sit at the piano and play when I am stressed out with schoolwork. The music I play offers a little escape. There is also a huge creative boost that comes with piano performance, and this has assisted me in my art-making. I am so thankful for my musical background, as I have acquired an invaluable set of skills through piano that helped me to become a more well-rounded individual.
Describe a situation where/when you used music to help another person.
I have participated in service opportunities, including accompanying young violinists at a pajama-play-in activity, acting as a page-turner for my teacher’s performances, and participating in piano department group sessions. Through leading and teaching others in music, I am able to share my passion in a way that fosters creativity, cultivates relationships, and engages with my CYM community!
What are your plans after high school?
Having just graduated from CYM and the North Allegheny Senior High School, I will next study art and design at Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, pursuing a BA in Creative Direction or in Visual Merchandising & Branding.
Reka’s parent’s reflections are here:
Briefly describe your lessons, a special performance, or other highlights from your family’s tenure here.
There are so many highlights! Some of our favorites are watching Réka in her pretty satin red dress, beaming with joy, at age 8 as she played “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies,” on the magical white grand piano at PPG Wintergarden. Then, years later, when she performed Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” with such passion and strength. We nervously stiffened in our seats, and held our breath. It brought tears to our eyes as she played and didn’t make any of the mistakes that were haunting her during every practice. Other favorites were her moving performance of Chopin’s “Mazurka Op. 17 No. 4” on the old “plunky” piano in the grand lobby at Heinz Hall; and when she and her brother were crossing hands in an entertaining flurry of activity as they played Gershwin’s “Prelude No. 1 in B-flat major” at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside that same year. So fun!
Describe some of the attributes your child has developed through their education and/or relationships at CYM.
CYM has been such an important part of Réka’s development. Through her wonderful instructors – Miss Rowena, Miss Sonia, Ms. Grace – and the staff at CYM, and in the relationships that she developed with them and her classmates, Réka has learned to be resilient, flexible, cooperative, and self-reflective. Over time, her playing matured and her practicing became more disciplined. CYM has been a nurturing and safe place where she has been able to express herself creatively through music with others that share in her passion.
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?
It can sometimes be difficult to see your child’s progression from day-to-day, and your child may go through phases when they lose some of their enthusiasm about playing and practicing. Be patient, and communicate with their instructor on the best way to keep them engaged. The instructors at CYM are gifted at helping your child find music that inspires them, and creative ways to overcome challenges. Your child’s musical talents and skills are something that they will always have throughout their lives. When Réka was a baby, she would laugh and clap to Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca” as she watched Baby Einstein. Then, at age 13, she performed it at the “Musique de Paris” Community Concert in Sewickley. It was a wonderful experience for us, and also a great challenge for a girl with small hands! Thank you, CYM!
