Matthew's Recital

Last summer Matthew began taking piano lessons at the local Academy for the Performing Arts with pianist Kelley Coppage. Kelley is not only our church's pianist, but she's a Julliard-trained artist. She's very good with Matthew and he's done really well with her. Last year he wouldn't even discuss participating in a recital, but this year was different. I don't know what Kelley said to him, but by the time this recital came around, he was ready to go! He took the stage, put his hands on the $200,000 Steinway piano and played Beethoven's Ode to Joy. He did really well! Afterward I asked him if he was nervous, and he said, "I was half nervous, half hungry." That made me chuckle.

Here are some photos from his moments on stage:

Matthew takes the stage...

Plays his memorized piece (with good posture, I noticed!)...

And our artist takes a bow...