Happy Birthday, Betsy!You were neighbors of ours on Hampshire Road in Wayland when I was in high school. But it wasn’t until my junior year, when you became my piano teacher, that I really got to know you. I had started piano lessons in the 4th grade, but stopped 2 years later because the teaching and the songs were quite uninspired. After a 15-year old French exchange student and concert pianist left a Mozart Concerto at our house (how I wish I could remember which one!) that she practiced daily – I started to play it tentatively myself. The music was so beautiful that I longed to master it and to learn how to play classical piano. My first piano teacher and subsequent playing of songs by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle and Carole King, hadn’t prepared me for Mozart.You did! You instilled in me a love of playing classical music. You taught me the correct posture and finger positions for each piece, the importance of honoring a metronome (my nemesis, still, in hard sections) and how to put emotion into my playing. And, especially, the importance of regular practicing. I appreciated your high standards, the rigor you demanded of your students and always your warm welcome, yummy snacks and sense of fun. There’s no doubt that I became your student because we were neighbors, as I remember students had to audition for the privilege! For those two years of studying with you, I will always be grateful. I also remember being terrified at the prospect of piano recitals in your living room. But heartened by the reward of your amazing Blondies. I still have that recipe. Which reminds me… I will always be thankful for how supportive you were of my first film, “The Children of Chabannes.” Seeing you and Bill at my father’s shiva in October really warmed my heart. You defy time and seem ageless. That you are as active as ever and such a gift for your community doesn’t surprise me.
Happy 90th birthday. Wishing you a year and a decade ahead full of love, joy and great health. With love, Lisa
Happy Birthday, Betsy. Here’s to many more years of clicking cameras, tooting great music, and enjoying our time together.
Love and congratulations from Mark & Margie