Blythe Bonnaffons is Program Director at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:

Age you began studying:
I began flute in fourth grade through my school’s band program and began taking private flute lessons that summer. I also started taking piano lessons around the same time. 

Why did you choose the flute?
I thought it was the most beautiful instrument and I had a hard time understanding why anyone would NOT choose to play the flute if they heard it (played well). I still feel that way!

One memory from your lessons or early study:
One of the only negatives of playing a woodwind instrument is that you cannot LAUGH. I loved the social aspect of playing in band and in chamber ensembles but not laughing was a challenge throughout my early flute-playing life. Goofy rehearsals sometimes led to barely making it through a performance. And a couple times I didn’t make it. I have a pretty vivid memory of a NYSSMA flute trio that ended as a solo because two of us were behind our stands laughing. 

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I didn’t mind practicing, but in middle and high school it was really challenging finding the time. Like many of our Silver Music students, I had a lot going on in school, and after school, and I was exhausted! Being consistent helped–if I could get in practice most days, even for just 10 minutes, it felt like I had kept a promise to myself and it was way easier to keep going. Of course concerts, recitals, and auditions, definitely motivated me too.  

Did you ever want to quit?
I never did! Flute felt like a big part of my identity.

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
Humoresque. I’m glad that almost all the Suzuki students at Silver Music (violin, viola, cello, flute) learn this piece because I enjoy hearing everyone play it!

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing flute?
In the pandemic, I have enjoyed getting outside and hiking almost every weekend. During this time I’m also catching up on iconic series that I’ve somehow missed up until to this point. I’ve now watched all of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and I’m halfway through the seventh Harry Potter book.

Victor Dizon teaches private piano lessons at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into his early study:

Age I began studying piano:  Around 5/6, like most of us!

Why did I choose piano?  Good question, I actually did not choose piano, my mom decided…sounds familiar? 😉 I also tried guitar at some point, as well as the electone organ (folks who grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s would know what it is)! I enjoyed the electone more at some point, but, with a wonderful twist of fate, I ended up being a pianist…

One memory from my lessons or early studies:  One thing that comes to mind as of writing this (during my early studies) is that my piano teacher (1^st piano teacher) would use note flashcards and she will make me arrange them from lowest to highest, from left to right against the fallboard of the piano.

Did I always like to practice? If not, how did I (or my parents) motivate me to practice?  Of course not! I was a kid…;) for myself, I did enjoy practicing music that I liked, even those that are way to difficult for me at that time.  As for my parents motivating me? Well…I grew up in Asia…go figure 😀 …(just kidding)!

Did I ever want to quit?  Yes, and I did, for a while, BUT…my mom and I had an agreement: That I will keep playing on my own, and I’m proud to say that I kept my promise!

How did music education affect my life?  Oh, this will need to be a book, but then you won’t read it, so…I would say music has made me the person I am today. Key words that come to mind: respect, patience, understanding, tradition, hard work, love, perseverance.  Everyday of my adult life I’m grateful that I decided to be a musician, both as a performer, and as a music educator.

Do I have a musical role model?  Yes I do, but I will have to say model(s) because there are five! They would be my piano teachers, because each of them, in their own way have helped me grow into who I am both as a person and as a musician!

Current favorite student piece to teach: I would say, for the young ones, it would be pieces that will make the student light up! And that is different for each student! For the advanced student, the moment we get to the level of a classical Sonata, i.e. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, that would be any of them, because each of them (to me) are musical journeys in their own unique way. Personally (as a musician), I have been in a Mozart phase for a number of years now – that would be specific to the Classical period. However, given the choice, I will always gravitate to repertoire from the Romantic period.

My advice to budding piano players:  Keep at it especially the moment it gets challenging, because that’s when you will really start to grow with music.  The moment you realize that it’s not about mastering a piece(s), but rather growing with them, that’s when music will become a lifetime companion.

What else do I enjoy doing besides playing the piano?  There are many…I love exploring/walking around NYC (though not feasible at the moment), photography, spending time with friends, travelling, and definitely a foodie here…and many more!!!