“I liked that starting piano as an adult is fun and you can still learn how to play.”

“I liked that ‘a-ha’ moment when I could read music – also that sense of achievement when I could play my first piece of music.”

“I achieved far more than I ever dreamed possible and I loved our class.”

These were the kinds of statements heard from Dallas-area Recreational Music Making piano students as they and their teachers were honored at a special event on March 2, 2007.  The event recognized the ground-breaking efforts of these adult students that could pave the way for hundreds of similar music-making programs across the nation.  In addition to a premiere showing of a DVD funded by the Piano Manufacturers Association International (PMAI), Ric Iannone, a guest artist performed for the attendees.

The RMM classes in Dallas began two years ago with a program at a senior center in Plano, a suburb of Dallas.  During the fall of 2006, RMM classes were taught by additional teachers throughout the Dallas area. The RMM students have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about their teachers and the experience of learning to play piano in a group.  Many of them shared their excitement in personal interviews:

“Learning in a group was fun and challenging and our teacher was exceptional.”

 “I liked being with friends who were patient with me and encouraged me.” 

“I liked the fact that I was able to play and read simple songs so quickly.”

 “This became a new avenue or venture for my brain.” 

“I liked how easy the teacher made reading music because it had always intimidated me before.  I want to continue!”

Among the 110 attendees were special guests that included Barbara Cassaday, Executive Director of Piano Technicians Guild, Jack Wyatt and Leon Speir, members of PTG’s Foundation Board of Directors, Madeleine Crouch, Executive Director of Retail Print Music Dealer’s Association, Bill Erlandson, board member of PMAI, Don Dillon, Executive Director of PMAI, Richard Rejino who will be opening a new print music store (Pender’s Music) in the area, and Fred Kern and Mona Rejino, co-authors of Hal Leonard publications.

The event (which included a champagne reception) was hosted by Steinway Hall of Plano and the guest artist performance was sponsored by the Roland Corporation US.  Representatives of these companies included Danny Saliba, Larry McCain, Larry Brown, Bill Erlandson, Newell Hardy and Brian Alli.

For more information, contact:  Brenda Dillon, RMM Piano Teacher
 972/625-6882