On Sunday, December 10 2017 my studio held its very first recital in the comfort of our large walk-out basement area. With the fire roaring in the background early attendees sang Christmas carols as we broke out into a spontaneous singalong while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Students celebrated the holiday season and presented their hard work this Fall playing selections like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Other performances included less Christmas-y but musically exciting numbers like Yann Tiersen’s hypnotically melancholic Porz Goret, Paul Sheftel’s Nocturne, and Renegades by X Ambassadors. I performed my Frozen Tears composition. There was even an improvisation duet about a fireplace. We concluded the concert on a festive note, singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Afterwards we mingled for a little while, revelling in the post-recital relief and enjoying my mom’s legendary punch.

A sincere thank you to students for all your hard work and dedication this year. You all played very well and should feel proud of the progress you’ve made!