Margaret Hoover's Piano Studio
Testimonials
PRIMO AND SECONDO: A FRIENDSHIP UNFOLDS
How do two men from diverse backgrounds separated in age by twenty years find friendship and joy playing piano duets?
Barry, a Jewish semi-retired dentist who grew up in New York City and Chicago, is a late “piano bloomer.” One day at a friend’s house, he surprised his wife and played holiday songs by ear on a keyboard. Amazed by his talent, she gave him piano lessons with Margaret for their anniversary. For eight years now, he’s been hooked.
Jeff, an African-American newspaper copy editor, grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, played drums in his youth and eventually taught himself to play the piano in adulthood. An avid chess player, he realized he could apply his dedication to studying music as well. Motivated to learn more, he began lessons with Margaret fourteen years ago.
Now, Jeff age 60 and Barry age 80 participate in Margaret’s monthly adult student group lessons. At first, they sit next to each other with little knowledge of the other. Jeff plays the Pink Panther. Barry plays Fur Elise. While the performances are “works in progress,” everyone gives praise and encouragement.
“I liked how he kept going even when making mistakes.”
“That sounded awesome. You have really improved.”
“I love how you bring out the melody so strongly.”
Enthused by comments about their playing, confidence builds. Jeff approaches Barry. “How would you like to play a duet together?” Surprised, and not one to ignore a challenge, he says “Ok!” Barry has always admired Jeff’s playing and is honored to be asked. So begins one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences for Jeff and Barry and for their fellow students.
With enthusiasm, they approach Margaret, who finds a version of the theme from Peter Gunn and arranges it for four hands. Barry loves movie songs. Jeff loves Henry Mancini. This one is perfect. The Secondo is mostly ostinato (a melodic and rhythmic pattern that repeats, often in the bass) and is much less demanding than Primo. Barry takes Secondo. Now, it’s practice, practice, practice.
Week after week they meet with Margaret and learn together. The challenge is rhythm. How to get the rhythm right and stay together? Practice, practice, practice. Their connection evolves musically and personally.
Margaret watches them advance. Jeff loves to memorize and surprises Margaret with his progress. Barry, on the “fast track,” is highly motivated to achieve, well aware of the time he has left to learn.
Jeff perseveres through mistakes. In frustration, Barry might throw up his hands but doesn’t give up. Playing together, they motivate each other. They learn how to listen and keep the rhythm. It is truly a team effort.
Excitement builds. The annual recital is only weeks away. Playing for fellow students in piano group is one thing. Playing more formally at the recital is daunting. More practice, practice, practice.
What to wear? Perhaps matching shirts will add to the performance. They find the perfect ones.
The recital performance is one of the best ever! They quickly recover from a minor rhythm glitch and delight everyone and themselves with a great accomplishment.
Two men from different backgrounds and generations find a very special friendship and make music together for their own enjoyment and that of many others. Now, what piece will they play next?
Jenny
I took lessons from Margaret for about 5-6 years. My son Carver (12 years old) has been taking lessons from Margaret for about 3 years now. My experience with her has been very good. I used to take lessons from another woman and my mom says my playing improved so much when starting with Margaret. She’s a terrific teacher who makes it a lot of fun. She teaches theory and classical music, but is open to all kinds of music. Margaret makes a nice community by having get-togethers and group piano lessons so the kids really get to know each other. She also does a fantastic job with putting together the recitals. She has a good balance of strictness and expects the kids to practice and do well without being condescending. She’s a very positive and friendly person.
Sharon
Of all the teachers I’ve had through the years, Margaret Hoover is by far the very best! I should know since I’ve played the piano since childhood and continue now in my grandmother years. I don’t just learn how to play the piano better. Margaret motivates me through exposure to music history, composer lives, and even music theory. Thank you, Margaret for enriching my life with the joy of music!
Diana
We are so lucky to have had our child study with Margaret Hoover. She is like a conservatory teacher in your neighborhood. A first-rate instructor, her classes teach theory, music appreciation and history, and technique, as well as encouraging students to explore their own musical creativity. With Ms. Hoover, students have the opportunity to be exposed to the most rigorous music education delivered with kindness and understanding. There is no one better.
Sharon
Of all the teachers I’ve had through the years, Margaret Hoover is by far the very best! I should know since I’ve played the piano since childhood and continue now in my grandmother years. I don’t just learn how to play the piano better. Margaret motivates me through exposure to music history, composer lives, and even music theory. Thank you, Margaret for enriching my life with the joy of music!
Diana
We are so lucky to have had our child study with Margaret Hoover. She is like a conservatory teacher in your neighborhood. A first-rate instructor, her classes teach theory, music appreciation and history, and technique, as well as encouraging students to explore their own musical creativity. With Ms. Hoover, students have the opportunity to be exposed to the most rigorous music education delivered with kindness and understanding. There is no one better.