July 2, 2026
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It was a humbling moment playing piano for the first time in front of a full house. Well, in this case, a full church.
That, in itself, made it all the more emotional given the somewhat grandness of the main church hall. Then, there was the real piano which my fingers have never played, let alone laid eyes on before that moment.
After many months of learning how to play the piano, it was time to share what I had learned at a music recital held at Kincardine United Church, June 6.
Most of us know a church is a wonderful venue for music. The sounds simply wash over you. Yes, indeed, a new experience but one filled with music for the soul. After all, there were more than 25 short musical performances during the one-and-a-half-hour recital on that beautiful Saturday afternoon.
“I’d like you to meet Kim, my oldest student, who started to play piano several months ago,” announced my music teacher as he introduced me to the waiting crowd. It was at this point, I was looking for that proverbial hole to crawl into.
I am glad I did it, and yes, I was definitely nervous. I wanted to slip out the back door but looking at all those young children who were also performing (most likely for the first time), I knew I had to stay and buck up my courage. After all, if these seven- and eight-year-olds could do it, then so could I.
It was a challenge to play through two songs (“Ode to Joy” and “Oh! Susanna”) without hesitating on a key note or two, or perhaps three! I’m was hoping that no one really noticed that when my nerves got the better of me on the second song, I had to start the song over two or three times.
I am used to speaking in front of people and crowds. Heck, I was the chairperson of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival for a few years, and also sat as the volunteer board chairperson for a non-profit organization. Throughout my whole career, I was typically speaking in front of a room or a group of people.
But pulling off a musical performance? Not in my wheelhouse and definitely not my strong suit. By taking piano lessons for the first time, I recognized that I was out of my comfort zone … doing something I had never done before.
Since I could remember, I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. It was one of those quiet bucket-list items that can get parked in the back of the mind. Finally, last fall, I took the leap. I also realized that it would be a good exercise for my 60-year-old-plus brain. Learning something completely new helps keep you young at heart, and clears out the cobwebs of the mind.
The piano songs played (and some voices singing) ranged from the classical to pop and in between. What beautiful music these kids played. I am gushing because I know that it was not easy for them. I was proud to see them get up and walk up to the piano. That takes a special kind of courage in young folk. They are not only learning how to play piano and how to read music, they are building their confidence and their future.
The teachers were so proud of their students. Mine was full of praise for this old gal and is encouraging me to continue on with the piano lessons.
It’s July now, and yes, I am back at the keyboard practising.
Written ByKim Dixon started her career in journalism in Manitoba, and was a writer for both non-profit and corporate clients. She writes short stories and is active with the area’s Writers' BLOC. She is also a volunteer VON fitness instructor in Kincardine. Jan. 1, 2025, she took her first polar plunge into Lake Huron.
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