Welcome back, everyone!
   Today I am going to tell you my piano history (short form!).
It all began back when I was spending a lot of time at our pastor's house because of some difficulties in my family. His three daughters played piano. And one day one of them began to teach my younger sibling how to play. Well, as the oldest child (around age eight) I couldn't let my younger sibling do something I couldn't, now could I? I immediately began to learn. That patient girl went back and forth between us, teaching us the notes and the basic beginner songs. But it wasn't taken that seriously. I did start taking lessons, but I NEVER practiced! Maybe one day a week! How awful!!! Horror of horrors to a music teacher!
   Well, as those girls got married and moved away, I took at least one lesson from each of them. Two of the three girls taught me, and I do thank them for their investment in my future. They would not have known what they were starting!
   When I was about eleven, I changed to a new teacher-a RCM registered teacher who was very professional and wanted me to practice. My practices changed from a small, (possibly) cheap keyboard to a touch-sensitive keyboard that allowed me to practice my lacking dynamics. That was just the beginning of my serious piano life. I was in the prep RCM course.
   At age twelve, hormones kicked in. I hated piano-never wanted to play it again. I just hated it. So I'd play a song really bad. Then I'd want to play it correctly. My frustration and hormones found a release in the instrument I "hated"-and the instrument that helped save my sanity!
   When I was thirteen, several things happened that provided a catalyst in my journey. One, cancer hit my family. To relieve stress, I played piano. Two, we actually got a real piano that I enjoyed playing. Three, I worked hard and got a bronze and gold at music festival, and was asked to perform at the special concert. I received a medal. I see it now. I also entered a composition festival, and received a bronze medal. What a year! And with all my practicing, I got to skip the third level. We would go to the fourth level.
   Last summer, I worked a bit on the fifth, sixth, and seventh levels of RCM. This fall I started RCM Grade 8! Wow! What a shock! I had gotten from prep to Grade 8 in about five years. This year was once again difficult as I struggled with piano. There were many days where I felt like I was drowning in it. It was not nice. I had to quit teaching one of my students, as they only argued with me about their music. One of my students quit without warning about a month ago. I still have one student whom I adore, but find challenging as I search for ways to teach music in a fun and easy way. I am working on high school, and find life busy. Yet my piano is there. I really need a new piano, one that will help me become a more refined student. I am working toward becoming a RCM registered teacher.
   I love my piano teacher-she is a friend as well as an amazing musician. She is a role model for me on so many levels, and she is encouraging in my journey with music. After a move, I still take lessons from her, by FaceTime. I hope that someday I can teach like her!
   So there you have my music journey. How about sharing your journey with me? Comments are greatly welcome!
   God bless!
   Indi

Welcome to True Blue Piano!
My name is Indi Raine. I am a RCM piano student, as well as a student teacher. I have had quite the journey in piano, some of it soaring on the high notes, other parts pottering along in a downhearted view of life. I want this blog to be a source of inspiration for pianists who are experiencing the highs and lows of their musical journeys. I want to encourage you so that you know that you are not alone. Being a musician can be discouraging as you struggle with a scale in the morning, but delightful as you perform for a guest that night. You may groan as you turn the page of your music book and look at a maze of music notes, but then rejoice as you recognize your favourite key signature. It may take long weeks or several hours to memorize a song, but it is always rewarding to play through the song without a music book. There are lessons that make us laugh, and lessons that make us cry. There are the days of sunshine, and weeks of shadow. I've gone through it to. And I want to help.
Music is one of the greatest gift's that God has given to me. And whether I feel like practicing or not, I know that piano will always be a part of my life. After the years behind me, how could I quit now? This last year I've discovered my passion for teaching, and am looking forward to sharing my games and ideas with you.
This blog is going to be a place for musicians of all levels (and all instruments are welcome too!) to find inspiration and fun. And I hope that in some way that my "dark, stormy piano days" can help turn you through your moments of frustration and despair. Believe me, I understand!
So come by soon, and bring your music friends! It is time to get going on our journey!
May God bless your musical journey!
Indi