Like many children, I was tortured like no other. Tortured daily with the dreaded P-I-A-N-O! It was one of those parental requirements, at least early on in my parent's parenting. Everyone will learn to play the piano. The expectation was not to become a concert pianist, but to have the ability to play. Chop-sticks, did not count as "having the ability" to play the piano! Bummer!
I am not quite sure how my mom came across Ilo Schmid. Probably through a conversation with someone else. Mom's have a tenedency to do that. They talk with other mom's about having their children exposed to a variety of learning experiences and they share information about who is the best to provide said experiences. As a child, I was certain mom's only shared information about people who would provide the maximum amount of frustration and expect the highest amount of effort out of the child. Which, is a good thing, but not what most kids are interested in! I was no exception to that. Sure I wanted to be able to play the piano, but I didn't really want to make the commitment to practicing like my teacher Ilo expected.
Ilo Schimd was/is the most talented musician I have ever met. She can play all kinds of instruments. The piano and organ are just the main ones that come to mind. I remember people always commenting about the length of piano players fingers. If I remember correctly, Ilo didn't fit into this category. She did not have long, beautiful fingers-the kind perfect for piano playing! She had shorter, thicker fingers. But, it didn't really make a difference-she could play and oh so well!
Not only was she an extremely talented musician, but she had lots of life experiences that she shared with her students. At one point during my student years she traveled to the middle east. I think it was for some sort of mission for her church. She always seemed old, so I thought that it was cool she would travel that far away at such an old age!
She drove a big ole car-think Uncle Buck! She lived in a big, ole house. Really, it was huge. She had several pianos in this big, ole house. Another thing that I found rather interesting. Why would anyone need or want more than one piano? Her house was full of plants, interesting collectables from her wide and varied interests, and lots of books.
I remember her saying how important music is to people's brain development. Now, as a child and teenager, I wasn't really concerned with anyone's brain development. I wasn't concerned with developing the musical part of my brain so that I would be a smarter person overall. She was a big proponent of education-all kinds of education. She believed that people should have skills in all kinds of things; gardening, cooking, reading, music, etc. I remember her saying that playing the piano is a skill that you can do until you die, unlike most other hobbies or talents one may develop over their lifetime.
Although I was a resistant student, Ilo left a lasting impression on me. She had wild hair, wore crazy clothes, and had a contagiously loud laugh. Saying she had a passion for music is an understatement. I believe that she was truly passionate about a lot of things. She was a busy lady. Always going and doing. She had a great intellect and was interesting to talk to. She knew so many things, about so many things.
It is because of her passion for music that I have any skill at all in regards to the piano. I can only imagine how hard it is to have such a passion, but have such resistant students. If I only knew way back when, what I know today. I would have soaked in much more of her instruction, practiced more, and let my musical brain develop!
I truly believe that she is a one-in-a-million woman! I was blessed to have been exposed to her love of music and general love of life. Like many of the other people that have been influential in my life, she had such a positive outlook on life. She worked hard at everything she did. Sure, she had trials and obstacles to overcome, but she didn't let that stop her! I guess the lesson to be learned is to be positive. Accept challenges head on. Smile. Be happy. And if all else fails, just sit and play the piano. Then get back up and face the day!
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