I judged a piano festival today in Niwot for the Federated Music Teachers. Eight hours of listening to kids play and writing comments. It was awesome! I was so excited to watch these kids play. This is the future of music and it looks good! There was an abundance of talent present.

My favorite was a seven year old boy that had to have a cushion to lift him higher and a box to put his feet on. He knocked my socks off. Not only did he play at an advanced level, he played technically and note perfect. But the amazing thing was his musicianship. He played very musical, and that is something that comes from within. What he did can’t be taught.

I hope this surgery is successful and I can hang around a few more years because I want to watch this kid grow up in piano.

If you think the young people of American are going down the toilet, then you need to witness what I saw today. Motivated, disciplined kids, working to perfect their music. The values, work ethic and discipline they learn from music will permeate their entire lives.

It’s sobering and humbling to have a part in their development both as a judge and a teacher. It’s a sacred trust that only a few have the opportunity to understand.