Pianist, Racqui Borromeo started formal lessons at age 9 in the Philippines. This is an interview with her mother.
Q: What were your thoughts about starting lessons? Were you excited? Anxious? Confused?
A: I was excited for her to be able to experience piano lessons like I did as a child. I was hoping for a good student and teacher relationship/harmonious rapport which she had so it will boost her possibility of liking piano lessons.
Q: Did I always like to practice? If not , did you have any tricks that made practice easier?
I felt you liked to practice, it was not a “battle ” when it was time to practice. You were a perfectionist, did not want to stop until you got the right notes.
Q: What was the most helpful thing my teacher ever said? Least helpful?
(Racqui) A: The most helpful thing a teacher has told me was to sing while I play. The least helpful was to copy someone else’s playing.
Q: Were there times you wanted me to quit?
A: Not at all because I could see that Racquel loved the piano and music loved her back.
Q: Were there times I wanted to quit?
(Racqui) A: I was never sure about the feeling of quitting but certainly feeling that I needed time away.
Q:Was there a point when it became clear to you that it was all worth it?
The raves from people who listened to her during performances, the awards she received in competitions, and her love of music just kept on going.
Q: How did you see my musical education as affecting the rest of my life?
A: Music is the language of Love, it will always be a source of refuge in times of sorrow and happiness in life.
Q: What was the worst fight you remember having with me about music?
A: Never had, can’t remember of any.
Q: Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
A: None, the switch from traditional to Suzuki method then back to traditional way of playing piano was a good exposure for her , it opened more techniques.
Q: What was the best time you remember having with me surrounding music?
A: The joy seeing you getting the awards you deserved , for family to hear your abilities and gift, whenever I see and hear that you have perfected the music piece and ready for the next competition, learning and accepting victory and defeat during competitions and the will to work harder.
