The Piano Duet Paradigm - A New Model for Human Relationship

What if there was a doorway into an entirely new kind of human relationship, one in which physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional limitations are transcended; where creativity flourishes; separation dissolves; true equality is achieved; and the outcome far exceeds what either individual could manifest alone?

Over the course of thirty years, I’ve developed an approach to piano duet improvisation that is yielding extraordinary results with people of widely diverse backgrounds. As a result, the remarkable possibility I describe above is becoming an actual reality.

Here are several examples. In the videos below, you’ll observe piano duets with three very different individuals. In each instance, you’ll hear the person create music of striking originality. Both the student and I flourish. I believe this "Duet Paradigm" has profound implications for parents, educators, business leaders, spiritual teachers, professionals, and practitioners in every field.

Duet with Hope Garner
Hope is a 15 year-old girl with Down syndrome. This duet was, for me, a defining moment. As you'll see, Hope created music of disarming beauty. As a result, I found myself bearing witness to a human capacity entirely unfettered by her “disability.” She confirmed that EACH of us must have extraordinary creative abilities, no matter our background.




Duet with Sevyn Smith
Two years ago, I improvised in duet with 2½ year-old Sevyn, the son of Robb and Tiffany Smith. This improvisation models a dynamic relationship between adult and child, one that frees a youngster to become fully him- or herself. Observe how, through the music, I sustain my connection with Sevyn from the outset. When he finally sits with me at the keyboard, you’ll see him respond with a sensitivity and nuance that transcends his age. Ultimately, what transpires could not have been premeditated!




Duet with Pam Parsons Dupuy
Pam had limited background in piano. Yet, if you listen carefully to the beauty of tone and musical phrasing, you’ll hear playing that defies her lack of experience. Fully fledged music was already there inside her, waiting to come forth. She wrote later, “I remember wanting to find the right note, feeling self-conscious, a bit worried about doing it ‘wrong.’ Yet I was soothed by the music, the warmth and encouragement...” The result is stunning.




The Duet Paradigm - A Model of Human Relationship for Our Time
The traditional idea of the piano duet, recast in the 21st century, becomes a model of relationship for our time. As an individual is supported in a dynamic field of trust and exploration, she or he ventures into the unknown, often becoming freed in dramatic ways from physical and/or psycho-emotional conditioning. This can occur with or without the use of music. It arises when someone extends to you presence, trust and unconditional listening. In the space that arises, a person is inspired to let go, to express him or herself in new ways. The unique qualities of individuality are revealed--her or his true "voice." The transforming potential inherent in relationship is realized. People have described this experience as one of "loving remembrance," "of immense joy that washes away residues of pain," "of doubtlessness," of "childlike vulnerability," "where no fear can hold sway."

The next phase of my work involves bringing this miraculous paradigm to individuals and groups throughout the world via the internet. For instance, I have worked with children via SKYPE who are part of the Integral Heart Foundation in Guatemala and the Cakike Music Program in Bogota, Colombia. Many of these children are impoverished and often abused. Other recent in-person and virtual events have taken place with: teen girls in protective custody in Sydney; dozens of primary school children in southern New South Wales, Australia; women of economic privilege who never thought they could improvise; people in recovery from heroin and other addictions; young girls struggling to find a sense of identity; people challenged with every form of developmental and physical disability.

In the three videos above, you witnessed some of the ways individuals have transcended their disability, age, or background through the duet experience. Based on these and dozens of other striking examples, I believe that the liberating power of duet--which can occur in any human relationship--is a catalyst for widespread change, allowing people to rise above the challenges they face and realize their potential, no matter who they are or where they live. In my thirty years of experience, the Duet Paradigm has never failed to activate the glorious creative energy that exists within each and every one of us.

More on The Piano Duet Paradigm...
Jessica’s YouTube Channel, featuring dozens of solo and piano duet videos

"DIFFERENCES IN DUET: Musical Expressions from the Heart with Jessica Roemischer" - The best Multimedia Presentation of Jessica’s work to date, by Debbe Kennedy and the Global Dialogue Center

PERSONAL REINVENTION: Discovering New Pathways to Leadership with Jessica Roemischer Presented by Debbe Kennedy at the Global Dialogue Center

Light, Music, Spirit

It was an extraordinary day playing the piano at both the Worthington and Chesterfield, MA Congregational Churches, and then for a friend's 70th birthday party. There were many moments of joy and inspiration. I'll share the highlight: Rev. Doug Small gave an especially compelling sermon for the first Sunday of Advent. Following his sermon, I played an improvised anthem medley, blending Minstrel Boy, America the Beautiful, Amazing Grace and finally, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. The church itself was built in the 18th century--simple, light-filled. At the last note of the anthem, I was overcome with the feeling that one longs for--a sense of something greater than yourself. The physical light became a metaphysical light. It was BEAUTIFUL. I played to THAT. Truly a blessing.

MGMT - A Piano Student Succeeds!

Twenty years ago, Ben Goldwasser, co-founder of the band MGMT, began his musical career at the age of nine in duet with me at the piano. He was one of my early students. Ben's father, David, said that it was the support and creative freedom I gave Ben that helped him gain confidence in his abilities. MGMT has become world-famous and nominated for two Grammys.

I offer this as encouragement to EVERYONE. When the creative spirit is nurtured, recognized and freed, it can lead you to amazing places! Good on 'ya Ben!

New Podcast About The Piano Duet Paradigm(TM)

In this 1-hour interview with David Roel on TalkShoe Online, I discuss how music bypasses the limitations and defenses we often unconsciously carry. In The Piano Duet Paradigm, two people become inter-supportive, generating a field of trust and exploration. New realities emerge. The Duet Paradigm is a spiritual practice, one which is imminently human, real and tangible, one that gives rise to an awakened experience of the creative force that flows through each of us.

This quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin goes to the heart of what I observe and what inspires me to share this work with others: "Together we exist and forever we will recreate each other."

You can listen to this interview in its entirety here

In a Safe Place, the Creative Spirit is Freed

I'm working via SKYPE with students in the Cakike Music Program in Bogota, Colombia.

Over the past six weeks, the students have been sharing with me stories of their lives, of their greatest happiness, playing little songs that they're learning on guitar, piano, xylophone. I'm helping them connect to themselves--to their source of identity, strength and confidence--to that which nothing in their often difficult lives can touch.

For each child, I'm improvising a special piece inspired by his or her life and story. This morning's session with a class of young students exceeded my expectations. Two boys--brothers--entered into a spontaneous duet on xylophones, each taking turns improvising as the other accompanied. They used what they had learned to take a leap and begin to create their own music. The respect they extended to the other made this possible. That respect and care allowed the space for something new to happen. The Cakike teacher, Paola Medina and I were deeply moved to witness this! In that safe place, the spirit inside of us can ignite and come forth in such beautiful ways! This morning was an inspiring example!

More to come...

Opening Pathways of Communication

This morning in my music class at Riverbrook Residence for women with disabilities, I improvised in piano duet with a young woman who is almost completely deaf.

Despite her disability, I was amazed to see her fingers on the keyboard, lithe, confident. She could FEEL the rhythms I was creating and SEE my hands moving as I played an accompaniment in the bass. She joined me, producing simple lyrical sounds in the treble. In the last note, we were completely together. The music that had emerged was beautiful. She turned to me with a HUGE smile. My heart melted! And I thought--there are are SO MANY MORE channels of communication open BETWEEN us than we think! Such subtle and accessible pathways that allow us to collaborate and communicate!

Inspiration at the Right Moment - Barry Lopez, Writer and Naturalist

A year and a half ago, I gave my first transformational retreat in the Berkshire Hills of Lenox, MA. Together with the participants who'd enrolled for the weekend, we'd explore the power of duet improvisation to awaken our creativity, to hear our unique "voices" as expressed through improvised music, and finally to leave--I hoped--with a new sense of life and its possibilities.

The night before the retreat began, I was nervous as I contemplated the schedule, the myriad practical details, our activities together, my aspiration for the weekend. At 11pm, something compelled me to turn on the TV, which is unusual. There on PBS was the final episode of Bill Moyers' "Journal," a show in which each week he would interview a person of note--an artist, public figure, spiritual leader. I had heard of his guest, author, Barry Lopez, and vaguely recalled that I'd been inspired years earlier by something he'd written. As Lopez began to speak, however, I realized that I had been blessed. Here was EXACTLY the right message, the right person to strengthen and affirm my vision just as the weekend was about to begin.

To give you a sense, this is an excerpt from the interview. He is speaking about writing; but, really he is encouraging us to CREATE. There are real and positive effects that our creative acts can have on another human being:

"And when you can open up (to your creativity) and come out of your own little small tiny place in the world and...you try. And you get something on paper. And you give it to somebody. And you say, "Well, what do you think?" If it really works, they (will) read it and they will say, "I think I'm going to be okay."

Barry Lopez was expressing what compels me to do my work, my reasons for encouraging others to trust in themselves, in that which lies often untapped in each of us--one's own true voice!

It was no wonder that Bill Moyers chose Barry Lopez as the final guest. Moyers said in his introduction to the interview: "So many people have inspired my own work that I had a difficult time making that choice. But i finally decided to ask someone whose curiosity about the world, and pursuit of it, have set the gold standard for all of us whose work it is to explain those things we don't understand"

You can watch the interview in its entirety here on the PBS website:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04302010/watch3.html

Music Reaches Across Cultures

I want to share with you extraordinary evidence that music DOES, indeed, heal people, no matter what they have experienced and regardless of cultural background.

My good friends, Debora Prieto and Mick Quinn are working to better the lives of impoverished children in Guatemala. Debora decided to show a group of her teenagers the video of my piano duet with a 15 year-old girl named Hope Garner, who has Down syndrome. (This photo shows the teenagers as they are watching Hope's video.)

Debora explained how she came up with the idea to show the video: "When the teenagers first told me of their backgrounds, I had to make a huge effort not to cry in front of them. Every story was so sad and painful that just listening to them was like torture....I decided to use this video because I work in an environment where there is not room for vulnerability on the part of children. Any sign of "weakness" would open a huge space for abuse. The only way I could bring that intimacy back to my kids was to show them the video of you with Hope."

Here is the video these teenagers saw:



Hope's video had a profound impact. Debora described it to me this way:

"What happened was amazing. Most of the children couldn’t even talk, others said that they didn’t have words to express their feeling; it was too big for them to explain and to understand. One was almost crying. Then they began to express a deeper self-confidence. They began to realize that THEIR voice was important, too!"

Debora and Mick interviewed me recently for their "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Action" series. I highly recommend that you listen to the audio below, Debora describes these children in more depth and the extraordinary effect that seeing this video had on them. It is a VERY special conversation. Indeed, when music speaks from the heart, it touches the heart in another and gives a new sense of self-worth and of possibility, even amidst extreme hardship.

Click Here to Listen

Mick and Debora run "The God's Child Project," a sponsorship program in Guatemala, which makes it possible for children in need to have their basic requirements met--shoes, a bed, books for school. For $25/month your sponsorship will give them new hope. Please see this website to learn more about these children and how you can sponsor a child in Guatemala.

For more information on Mick Quinn, author of the award-winning book, The Uncommon Path, and Debora Prieto click here.

Sharing the Transformative Power of Music with Governor Deval Patrick

On April 10, 2010, Governor Deval Patrick and his family appeared at a fundraiser/campaign event in Northampton, MA. I had an opportunity to give the Governor an article that was just published in Exceptional Parent Magazine, which describes my music program at Riverbrook Residence. The article culminates in an account of the duet piano performance of America the Beautiful/We Shall Overcome that my gifted Riverbrook Residence student, Tanny, and I played for him last June. (Watch video of our duet)

In the article, I describe that performance: "While I played the familiar refrain of America the Beautiful, Tanny began the descant--a soaring counter-melody high in the treble. Our notes melded together and the duet became pure music. I could feel the Governor watching, listening. Everyone in the room was held in rapt suspension. Suddenly, Governor Patrick was not the governor, I was not the music educator, Tanny was not blind. At the final chord, the Governor came immediately to the piano and pressed Tanny's hand in his..."

Last night, in recounting that occasion to Governor Patrick, he remembered it well and said he'd like for us to play again for him. That opportunity may arise soon!

Also at the event last night were dear friends, Bernard Jones and his wife, who is a wonderful artist - Ruby Rice. Bernard is a fellow musician, a supporter of the Governor, and had invited me to the Northampton fundraiser. He was also responsible for arranging our piano performing for the Governor last June. Thank you, Bernard!

New Piano CD - A Fundraiser for Haitian Relief Efforts

I've just produced a new CD of Hymns, Spirituals, Originals, and Duets. The entire proceeds from sale of the CD will be sent to Doctors Without Borders and other major relief organizations responding to the disaster in Haiti.

This solo piano recording includes Amazing Grace, When the Saints Go Marching In, Simple Gifts, When You Wish Upon a Star, Old Ship of Zion, Wonderful World, Danny Boy, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, and many more beautiful interpretations.

Click here to listen to a sample track


Support this important cause while gaining inspiration and hope through music!

Price is $25.00 per CD, postage paid.

You can order through PayPal here:

CD - Haitian Fundraiser

1 CD postpaid $25.00 2 CDs postpaid $45.00 3 CDs postpaid $70.00 5 CDs postpaid $110.00

Total proceeds from the sale of each CD--$17.00--will be donated to Haitian relief efforts

Music at the Integral Spiritual Experience Conference, 2010

Over the course of thirty years, I've improvised at the piano with hundreds of individuals on four continents—people ranging in age from 4 to 84, as well as those with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism.

Without fail, everyone who has ever played in duet with me has come forth with music of disarming originality. Time and again, I see people emerge simply and fully as themselves--free, authentic, creative, alive. The music they express reveals the essence of who they are. It is always beautiful and it is always unique.

Thus, in early December, when I discovered an upcoming conference called, "Integral Spiritual Experience: Your Unique Self," I sensed that the event would relate to what I was observing through music. I wrote to conference organizer Nicole Fegley to explain how my teaching and performing would be an apt addition. Although it was just three weeks prior to the event, she created a way for me to be involved. Her receptive and generous response made it possible for me to offer five days of dynamic exploration into the power of music to awaken our deeper humanness.

The Integral Spiritual Experience conference took place at Asilomar Conference Center--a beautiful coastal preserve near Monterey, CA. I braved the -20F below wind chill at Albany, NY airport, gladly boarded the plane and landed (after a couple of stops) in balmy sunshine. The hospitable warmth created a conducive environment for self-actualization and joy.

I learned that the conference was the result of ongoing dialogue between Diane Musho Hamilton, Marc Gafni, Robb Smith, Ken Wilber, and other pioneering Integral thinkers and teachers. It was formulated as a framework for spiritual practice and personal growth in our time of heightened individualism. ("Individualism" refers to the self-aware, self-determining, globally-informed, media-saturated, post-modern consciousness of many of us, as compared with, for example, the tightly circumscribed, clannish, cycle/season-oriented, subsistence lives of serfs in 12th century medieval villages.)

In fact, the whole issue of individualism has been on my mind. Having written a major article about the evolutionary theory of Spiral Dynamics, I recognize what it's taken to get us to this point--the millennia of cultural/consciousness development that's produced our unprecedented psychological and existential freedom. And now, as I improvise with my students at the piano here in the 21st century, it's clear to me that their sense of individuality is a springboard for growth and awakening, rather than an impediment. The capacity to express ourselves freely and openly--and to value our expressivity as significant--makes possible my transformative work in music.

Years ago, even before I was consciously aware of it, I set out on a path to bring forth through music sublime beauty in myself and others. I was trained in the finest European tradition, in a lineage that links directly to the great masters of the Western world--Chopin, Liszt and Beethoven. During the pre-conference teachers' meeting Marc and Diane described the characteristics of the "Unique Self." It was a "dharma" or spiritual teaching that mirrored the insights I've gained from decades of music study, performance and teaching.

"It's like you're a snake-charmer, calling out the inner dimensions of anyone who sits with you at the piano," Andre Schugt, one of the participants, said to me. It's true! Using an innovative approach to duet improvisation, I create a dynamic field of trust and doubtlessness. As each person places his or her hands on the keys, any pretense or self-consciousness falls away as unique combinations of notes, gestures, and rhythms arise.

The music takes wing through never-before-heard melodies that inspire all who are present. Without exception, what emerges is of real beauty. The universal and the personal become One. People describe their experience of improvising as one of "loving remembrance," "of immense joy that washes away residues of pain," "of doubtlessness," of "childlike vulnerability," "where no fear can have sway."

At the Integral Spiritual Experience conference, I had the opportunity to conduct a children's class, as well as two improvisation sessions for adults. The many responses confirmed music's transformative power. Katherine Konner, whose video is below, later reflected: "While I was improvising, my left hand literally froze like a claw. This reminds me of contractions that occur in my life. Sometimes I just find myself stuck... so in a way, improvising with you was like finding grace. It was a way of getting myself unstuck. You helped me reconnect myself to my own beat."

The Integral Spiritual Conference proved to be a potent context for my work. Improvising with so many thoughtful, committed individuals in an atmosphere of self-discovery demonstrated music's power to release the inmost self, allowing us to see that in essence we are creative and free. Indeed, this is the catalytic recognition I'm endeavoring to bring to the world!

These videos of piano duet improvisations from the ISE conference reveal the inherently unique and beautifully creative self that resides in each of us, no matter our age!

Improvisation with Katherine Konner



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Improvisation with Akiva Davis,the 18 month-old son of Rabbi Avram and Laura Davis. Akiva is the youngest child with whom I've improvised. I let the duet unfold spontaneously, taking my cues from him. In mirroring his musical gestures, I support him. This approach, in general, is vital for child development and growth. And as you'll see, the result is delightful and surprising!



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Improvisation with Sevyn Smith,the 2 ½ year old son of Robb and Tiffany Smith. I created music that expressed Sevyn's energy and I kept going with it regardless of what was happening. Suddenly he joins me and begins playing with striking maturity. His energy channels itself into wonderful music!



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Improvisation with Parker Tucker, a 9 year-old girl. Parker always wanted to improvise at the piano and felt thwarted by conventional piano lessons. The minute I met her, I knew her creative spirit was there waiting, ready to be released. I was right! Her improvisations were beautiful and more: she helped by improvising with me in trios with Akiva and Sevyn, encouraging them, placing their fingers on the keys. At the final event of the conference, she and I performed for the 500+ participants. Thanks to Parker, I brought Akiva and Sevyn on stage to join us for what would be a memorable performance.



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Improvisation with Pam Parsons Dupuy In this video you'll hear my instructions to Pam - these are the guidelines I often give to people when they first sit with me at the piano. The result is stunning. You'll hear Pam's beautiful tone and feel her absorption. I then speak about how we can produce resonant tone at the piano, which is the essence of transcendent music. Pam certainly illustrates it!



For more information or to schedule a performance or workshop,
Please visit: www.pianobeautiful.com
or email: jessica@pianobeautiful.com

"The Light of Beauty Exists Inside Every Human Being!"

A Music Workshop at Integral New York, November 2009

Over the past twenty-eight years, I have taught piano to hundreds of students. And yet, what probably comes to mind when you think of “piano lessons,” has little to do with what happens for people when they sit with me at the keyboard.

Imagine yourself discovering that you can create music of disarming beauty—even if you have little or no musical background. Imagine finding a confidence through music that defies any preconceptions you may have about yourself or life. Imagine watching another individual transform before your eyes as original piano music emerges spontaneously from her fingertips. Imagine experiencing reality in a new way as a result of music, where limitation and fear are replaced by positivity and Love.

In my workshops—which consist of solo piano performances, improvised duets with members of the audience, meditation, lecture, dialogue, and videos of great musicians—participants experience all of the above and more.

I am simply transmitting to others what music means to me. From the time I was quite young, improvising endlessly on the blues, or learning by ear my favorite James Taylor chord progression, or playing the most sublime Mozart composition, gave me solace amidst tumultuous circumstances. I was blessed that my family had a beautiful Steinway grand—the same instrument on which I now teach my students. Without fail, each time I would sit at the piano, music magically transmuted the effect of whatever was occurring around me. It made me whole.

In November, I conducted an interactive workshop in New York City sponsored by the Integral New York/Ken Wilber Meet-up Group. This particular event was created in collaboration with music educator, Lesley Stoller, who does groundbreaking work at the Queens Children’s Psychiatric Hospital. During the course of the evening, two participants, Susan Babcock and Jackie Sabin, improvised in duet with me. Although Susan had extensive formal training on piano and harpsichord, she believed herself incapable of improvising her own music. Jackie’s musical background was limited, consisting of trumpet studies in middle school. Despite their trepidation, both took the risk and sat down with me at the keyboard.

As you’ll see in this video, the experience awakened each woman to her inherent musical ability!



Indeed, my workshops are intended to effect deep and lasting transformation. Susan later wrote to me, “The most amazing thing happened last night. I practiced some of my classical piano pieces for over three hours and at the end, I decided to go for it. Improvise. Jessica, it was no more ‘accomplished’ than what I did with you in the workshop. But, like that session, it set my heart free. I didn't do it ‘well.’ I did it. Your workshop has burst a dam that’s been constricting me in my musical and personal expression for my whole life, ever since I learned how to be self-conscious. It’s like you’re saying to all the dark cynics in the world, 'Look at this!! The light of beauty exists inside every single human being!!'”

“A creativity I thought belonged only to talented artists”

Barbara Larisch of Integral New York
describes her experience improvising at the piano

Improvising with people of all ages and backgrounds is one of the most exciting dimensions of my work. When someone first sits with me at the piano, I begin by playing an evenly rhythmic, harmonically pleasing accompaniment in the bass (on the white notes, key of C). At a certain point, I ask the individual to improvise a melody in the treble (also on the white notes). Inevitably, he or she begins to explore, to venture out, experiment and expand, inspired by the sounds emerging from their own fingers and mine.

Barbara Larisch, who helped promote my recent events for the Integral New York/Ken Wilber Meet-up Group, took the leap and improvised with me during my first iNYC event in June, 2009. Her thoughtful reflections beautifully articulate the experience many have:

“When I was invited to play an improvised duet, I was at first very reluctant. I never thought of myself as musically inclined and I felt self-conscious about my lack of ability. But when I sat down at the keyboard and tentatively placed my fingers on the keys, as Jessica suggested, I felt my awareness of the room slowly slipping away.

"At first, all of my attention was focused on the mechanics of playing and I tried hard to integrate my rudimentary notes with the beautiful sounds that were arising from Jessica’s playing. It was a very cognitive and kinesthetic experience, very much like learning how to balance on a two-wheeled bicycle for the first time. Jessica’s presence was always with me, though. Her fingers were dancing across the keyboard and I discovered that the more I let go of my fears, the more playful our music became. Her voice was there in the background, coaxing me to let myself relax into the experience. My whole body started to release its tension and I realized that I was enjoying the dance that was unfolding. Each moment thereafter became an opportunity to be playful and creative and I found myself taking more and more risk.

“Then the quality of my listening began to change. I found myself responding musically to the notes that she was playing. We were having a conversation without words. But I knew that a language was being spoken because I became aware of shifts in mood, as the notes grew stronger and more playful, and then little by little, slower and softer. I became aware that I was co-creating these beautiful sounds with Jessica and I sometimes felt like we took turns playing the lead, like two dancers do, wordlessly and without any communication. The joy I discovered in expressing myself musically awakened a creativity in me that I thought belonged only to talented artists. But now I see that the impulse to create lies deep inside each one of us.”

This video from my Integral New York workshop, June 2009, shows Barbara improvising for the first time:

The Spirit of "Yes We Can" - Meeting President Barack Obama

It’s not every day that one has an opportunity to meet the President of the United States. On Friday, October 23rd, that possibility presented itself. In support of Governor Deval Patrick’s re-election bid here in Massachusetts, President Obama traveled to Boston to appear in a fundraising event. I couldn’t NOT go.

I arrived at the Westin Copley Hotel several hours early. The first clue that something unusual was afoot occurred when I stepped into the elevator. I pushed the fourth floor button to go up to the American Ballroom, and nothing happened. I pushed it again. I suddenly started to feel as if I was in an espionage movie. “The Secret Service is checking the area and they’ve blocked the elevators from going to the 3rd and 4th floors,” the concierge informed me. I waited in the lobby as Boston police came and went and a Secret Service agent perambulated quietly around the area.

My good friend, Bernard L. Jones, who was to meet me at the event, was delayed for more than an hour trying to find his way to the hotel amidst Boston traffic—and that was before they blocked off all the streets in anticipation of the President’s motorcade. (If you’ve ever driven in Boston, you’ll understand!). Bernard, a Vietnam War combat veteran has worked for many years in the Veteran Affairs Dept. and is a Democratic State delegate from Colrain, MA. (He’s also a bass player.) Bernard is a wonderful supporter of my work and made it possible for me to meet both Governor Patrick and Vice President Biden at recent political fundraisers.

Last June, together with the kind assistance of Charlotte Golar-Richie, Executive Director of the Deval Patrick Committee, he helped to arrange a performance for the Governor, in which I played a piano duet with my student, Tanny Labshere of Riverbrook Residence. Governor Patrick was clearly touched by what he heard that afternoon, and sharing the beauty of music with him was a memorable experience.

Here is a video of Tanny and me performing the medley we played for the Governor – “We Shall Overcome” and “American the Beautiful.”



My reasons for attending last Friday's event with President Obama were to support Governor Patrick, and also because I hoped to meet the President and introduce him to the extraordinary music being created by the women whom I teach. In fact, I had recently sent a DVD of the women’s performances to First Lady Michelle Obama for consideration for her new White House Music series.

In anticipation of possibly meeting the President, I prepared a package addressed to him that contained that same DVD (you can watch the video on YouTube), a letter of introduction, and a beautiful card made by Jenn Bradley, a staff member at Riverbrook Residence. The card contained images of many of my students at Riverbrook, New England’s oldest facility for women with developmental disabilities.

Perhaps it was superstition, but for the most part I kept quiet about my upcoming trip to Boston. A few people did know. Joan Burkhard, executive director of Riverbrook—and my fabulous boss—sent me off with well wishes. Some of the staff at Riverbrook and several of my Riverbrook students were aware I was going. My best friend, Elza Maalouf was supportive as ever, having told me long before I could have imagined it, that my work would “impact millions.” My husband, Laurie, who doubles as my personal trainer and life coach, helped me focus on my goal.

A day or two prior to the event, Claire Garner, whose daughter Hope is a student (see Hope’s inspired piano performance here) asked me if she could share the news. I said, yes, and knowing that faith was very important to her, I said, please tell everyone you know to pray that I connect with the President and make this beautiful music known to him. Claire is a member of the Living God Fellowship in Great Barrington, under the direction of Pastor Lein Collins. And that’s what she, the Pastor and the congregation did. Reverend Doug Small and the wonderful folks at the Worthington Congregational Church, all of whom are enthusiastic supporters of my work, were also thinking of me.

Having arrived at the event several hours early, when they finally opened registration, I was one of the first through the metal detectors. A U.S Secret Service policeman, K-9 division, swept by and into the elevator with a huge German Shepherd. I went up to the American Ballroom, which featured two stages, one of which was for entertainment and the other, bordered by a blue barrier, for the President. I took a spot “on the rope,” as I’ve discovered they call it, and stayed put for 2.5 hours until the Governor and President arrived.

In the meantime, Bernard showed up with Wes Brown, Jr. also a bass player and instructor at University of MA/Dartmouth. Wes’ father, Wesley Brown, Sr., was the first African-American to graduate from the Naval Academy in Annapolis. In recognition, they named a new field house at the Naval Academy in honor of him. I asked Wes, Jr. if his father had met President Obama and he said yes, he was in the stands during President Obama’s inauguration.

Amazingly, despite hip replacement surgery less than two months ago, Governor Patrick strode up the steps to the podium with no discernible limp. He proceeded to speak about the challenges faced by his administration as a result of an enormous State budget shortfall, and then outlined his significant accomplishments. He is up for re-election in 2010, thus President Obama’s visit to help raise money for his campaign. Governor Patrick then introduced President Obama, his long-time friend. In and amidst my videoing and photographing (you can watch an excerpt of President Obama's speech here), I was struck by their common message: both the Governor and the President implored the audience to take responsibility for the future of this country. They emphasized the importance of public action – “it’s up to you to help create the changes we need,” they each said to the audience in their own words.

I take that message, “It’s up to me,” very much to heart and it is, in fact, what compelled me to attend this event with the hope of meeting the President. Every day the people I teach are exemplifying Change, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. Despite their disabilities, my students prove that the capacity to express beauty is a human birthright, unfettered by any limitation. When people witness their performances—-as the Governor did in June—-they hear something of disarming beauty and freedom, and invariably experience optimism. The women's music proves that optimism is, indeed warranted, and that's why I’m endeavoring to make it visible at a national level. It’s a vital message for our times--the spirit of possibility is what got Barack Obama elected almost exactly a year ago.

President Obama stepped down from the podium after his 20-minute speech and began to greet the crowd along the barrier. As he approached me, I reached down to pick up my 8 ½ x 11 packet. I was immediately thwarted by a Secret Service agent. The President was not receiving anything. President Obama reached toward me and shook my hand as he looked me in the eye. Things were happening so fast it was hard to keep up. In a second, he was further down the line, flanked by several Secret Service men and one woman, whom I watched intently for a few seconds. I admired her. She reminded me of a petite, blond version of Trinity, from the movie The Matrix.

Then Governor Deval Patrick began to greet those of us at the front of the crowd. He took time and acknowledged people, many of whom were familiar supporters. He recognized me. I let go of the possibility of getting anything to the President, and simply remarked on how wonderful it was to see him so well after his surgery. He was very appreciative and kind. As he moved past us, Bernard said he wanted to give something to him. I followed. Through the throng of people, Bernard passed a card to the Governor. I tried to do the same, but my large packet was difficult to get through three rows of people straining to shake hands. However, just as Governor Patrick was nearing the end of the line, he turned, looked directly at me and said, “Do you want me to take that?” I couldn’t quite believe it. “Yes, thank you!” I answered. I was thrilled. This wonderful offer from the Governor was the best thing I could have imagined.

Inside the packet, addressed to President Obama, was a letter. It read: “We know that if the women of Riverbrook Residence perform in Washington for the nation, they will truly represent the spirit of “YES WE CAN!” As I drove slowly home in the Friday rush-hour traffic, I was imagining the President opening my packet as he left Boston on Air Force One.

New Television Interview - "Spirit of the Berkshires"

In this just-released interview with Dr. Andrew Cort for his "Spirit of the Berkshires" series, I talk about the role of music in life, healing, and human transformation, and describe my work with the women of Riverbrook Residence in Stockbridge, MA. The interview was aired on CTSB-TV, a local cable channel.

Spirit of the Berkshires - Episode 8 from Andrew Cort on Vimeo.

"Here in My Heart" - Lessons Learned from an Unusual Young Man and His Family

Stephen Lepotakis has been studying piano with me for almost a year. He enjoys my Steinway grand, which gives him 88 keys as compared to his smaller, electronic keyboard. At his lesson, he glides his hands up and down the piano in long glissandos and gleefully plays fast sequences of notes down in the bass. It’s those exuberant, percussive sounds that lead his mother, Sheila, to lovingly refer to him as "her little Choppin.”

Stephen loves music and numbers and telling time. Appropriately, among his favorite songs is the Chicago classic, “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is.” Or the theme song from Rescue Rangers, the TV cartoon.

Stephen was diagnosed with autism early in his life. Sheila explained how the first clue was in his verbal expression, which stopped developing at age 1 ½ . Stephen has just turned 21. In our lessons, he communicates more through music than through language. Sheila has said, “If we could put to music everything he needs to learn, he would absorb it all quickly. He would surpass so many of his deficiencies.”

Each time I see Stephen for a lesson, I’m impacted by the love Sheila has for him. It’s a warmth that permeates my home and my heart. She’s that rare person who always has a kind word to say, and means it. She oversees the local Special Olympics and fundraises for many other causes. Sheila and her husband were advised early on that they should resist changing their lives to accommodate their son’s--that he should adapt to their routines and grow in that. And yet, the love Sheila has for Stephen comes from a place that’s deep and natural. The same is true for Stephen’s father, Neil. He said to me recently, “I wonder what’s inside him, what he would express If he could tell us.” They are an unusual family.

Stephen expresses through music some of what he can’t convey through language. He has a wonderful sense of rhythm and is capable of subtlety and nuance. As we improvise together at the piano, we play strongly, softly—I only need to give simple suggestions and he’s right there with me. It truly is a duet! You’ll easily hear those qualities in this audio clip of a piece we recently recorded at Chocolate Springs Café in Lenox, MA.

Coda
Another song Stephen loves is the #1 Chicago hit, "Here in My Heart." It's sung by 28-year Chicago veteran, Bill Champlin, who's an acquaintance of Sheila's, and who is now pursuing his solo career. Stephen played that song so much he wore out the tape. The theme perfectly expresses the effect that Stephen and his family have on those of us who are fortunate to know them!

Road Trip – A Musical Journey with Hope Garner

I’m starting to think that heaven is a place on earth. I’m seeing miracles unfold before my eyes with increasing regularity—through music.

About eight months ago, I began teaching piano to Hope Garner. Hope is fourteen years old. As with many of my students, I improvise in duet with her. From the outset, it was obvious to me that Hope is unusually free in her musical expressivity, ranging over the keyboard like it’s home. She'll play shimmering phrases high up in the treble one moment, and rumbling bass rhythms the next.

Hope loves singing, too. And she writes her own songs. Her mom, Claire, is a singer and guitar player. Hope has a wide range of musical tastes-—she loves Phoebe Snow, Stevie Wonder, Hannah Montana, Cake, Bjork and Brian Duncan. When she grows up, Hope wants to be a singer (and a cook and cleaner).

Hope likes to refer to herself as having “Up’s Syndrome.” As I've realized, it’s true. She is a success story made possible by love, faith and modern medicine. Her first three months were spent at Bay State Hospital in Springfield, MA. She was born with five holes in her heart--congenital disorders such as this are common to children with Down’s Syndrome. Claire explained how, when babies are born with genetic disorders, it takes awhile to know what they’ll be capable of. Despite her rocky beginnings, by the time Hope was in kindergarten, she knew the alphabet and could spell her name. With the incredible love and support that Claire gives her, Hope has developed into the girl that comes and sits with me at the piano.

Hope’s musical journey is central to her life’s journey. And so are road trips. Hope loves to go on excursions with her mom. They’ll get in the car (their current vehicle—a Jeep—is dubbed the “J-unit”), play CD's, and travel around the East Coast, staying at bed and breakfasts or friends' or family.

I recently recorded a duet with Hope and played it back to her. I asked her what she’d like to name it. We agreed that “Road Trip” was an apt title. As you’ll hear, this piece is both a musical journey and reflective of Hope's life. We sat and listened to the piece on my stereo. I asked her what she thought of it. “It makes me cry,” she said, so quietly I almost didn’t hear her. "Why?" I asked. “Because it’s amazing.”

Here is our duet, “Road Trip”

Meeting Vice President Biden

It’s not every day that the Vice President of the United States stands less than a foot away from you, gives you a disarmingly warm hello and a very firm handshake! Thanks to a dear friend, Bernard L. Jones, that’s exactly what I experienced yesterday.

Bernard, a Democratic State delegate from Colrain and Vietnam combat veteran, had invited me to a special reception in Boston for Vice President Joe Biden. Together with several hundred other people on the roof deck of Fenway Park, I listened to the Vice President speak about the issues confronting this new administration. He described his visits to hard-hit industrial communities throughout the United States and the economic necessity for health care reform. His speech was sober, personal, and finally...uplifting. Not in an impractical or hyperbolic way. His optimism was authentic, real.

I was hoping to hand him a DVD of my piano duets with the women of Riverbrook Residence. Through the medium of music, women with disabilities are exemplifying—emotionally, cognitively and socially—the spirit of change he and the new administration stand for. I knew that the Vice President would find this work meaningful and inspiring—just as Governor Deval Patrick had the week before!

As I learned from a Secret Service agent, however, no one is permitted to hand the Vice President anything, except perhaps a business card. So I gave my packet of materials to another friend, Michael Wilcox, through whose connections we hope to deliver it to the Vice President.

My aspiration is for the Riverbrook women to be recognized at a national level. Specifically, I imagine them performing in the First Lady’s new White House Music Series. They will help make the White House the “People’s House”—as First Lady Michelle Obama is seeking to do.

Through their music, these women, who in other circumstances may have been relegated to the fringes of society, are inspiring people throughout Massachusetts. They demonstrate why the optimism Vice President Biden expressed last night is justified—they prove that beauty, creativity and freedom are our nature, inherent to us all and unfettered by any limitation!

Watch this YouTube video of a performance by the women of Riverbrook Residence.

A Musical Performance for Governor Deval Patrick

What an amazing night! Last evening, my gifted student Tanny Labshere and I had the opportunity to play a piano duet for the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick. For the occasion--a small fundraising party at a private home--we created a special medley of "We Shall Overcome" and "America the Beautiful." At the last chord, there was a palpable absorption in the room. People were deeply impacted.

Tanny's adoptive mother, Paula Labshere, was there and she was thrilled. We both had an opportunity to express to the Governor the ways in which the State had made it possible for Tanny to grow and thrive, though she was born blind. It had given her life-changing opportunities: through the foster program she was placed with a loving family who eventually adopted her; Tanny attended the Perkins Institute for the Blind; and now she was at Riverbrook Residence in Stockbridge, MA, which is a model of care for women with disabilities. That's where I teach her music.

Like anyone in government these days, the Governor is grappling with extraordinary challenges. At the event, he spoke about the multi-billion dollar cut in the state budget and, as a result, the hard decisions he's having to make. I thought, it's important for him to see what's working, and how significant it is. State programs and facilities in Massachusetts had made it possible for a young woman like Tanny--who was born into great difficulty--to ultimately express the freedom and beauty Governor Patrick had just witnessed. His response was wonderful. He was clearly moved by what he had just heard. It was a very special moment!

Jose Antonio Abreu - The Transformational Power of Music

I recently discovered through a musician friend, Judy Gerratt, this amazing Venezuelan man, named Jose Abreu. He has developed a system of teaching music to young children and created youth orchestras throughout his country. In this video on the TED site, he describes why and how music is having a transformational effect on Venezuelan children.

Here is a quote from near the end of his speech:
“The huge spiritual world that music produces, which also lies within itself, is the end of overcoming material poverty. The minute a child plays, he is no longer poor. The historian, Arnold Toynbee, said that the world is suffering a huge spiritual crisis…I believe that to confront such crisis, only art and religion can give proper answers to humanity, to mankind’s deepest aspirations and the historic demands of our time."

It is precisely because he goes to the heart of music—to its spiritual essence—that he is able to catalyze individual and social change. His reflections on the transformational power of music mirror what I’m observing in my work with women with developmental disabilities. (see video) I would state in this way the part of his quote I italicized: ”The minute a person plays, she/he is no longer disabled.”