Testimonials

Unsolicited Testimonials

"I am in awe of your incomparable teaching, your encyclopedic knowledge of music, your artistry, and your deep and sincere love of teaching. You both have brought me to a level I never thought I could ever reach. And you did it by the secret you both possess: You teach through love. You love your students and you love music."

"You truly open the heart, mind, soul, hands, and body to the heart of playing. Heartfelt appreciation for your inspiration, knowledge and supportiveness."

"It is obvious that your teaching comes straight from the heart."

"Your open hearts, your commitment to your students, and your musical experience and passion for teaching have all had a tremendous impact on my playing and on my life."

"My whole 20 years of study has been nothing but pleasure. You have always cared about each student, and never allowed anyone to feel inadequate. Don't think of yourselves as mere piano or violin teachers. You are a lot more than that."

"Your friendship and personal warmth helped me and others get through some very difficult times in our lives."

"You genuinely love and care for other people, treating your students as family. I never once sensed any arrogance or superiority, but rather, humility and gentleness. I never left a lesson feeling discouraged or disappointed, but always left with a feeling that playing well was truly possible and that I could do it."

"Acceptance is one of your finest virtues. No matter how poorly prepared I was, you always had encouraging words."

"Your great energy and empathy inspire, uplift and affirm me. That affirmation and encouragement you give me is a 'pearl beyond price.'"

"Thank you for your exceptional generosity-in so many ways. The sharing of your knowledge and talents with such patience and love has been amazing."

"Words cannot express my gratitude for your steady guidance, immense knowledge, unending inspiration and unbelievable patience."

"Your encouragement, inspiration, motivation and faith in me helped me return to music. Your passionate dedication to music and knowledge are overwhelming, and you are always there for me."

"Coming back to the piano has been like a healthy reunion with my childhood. How many adults can claim such magic?"

"There are no words I can say to express the deep appreciation for your constant encouragement, your belief in me as a pianist and as a person, and for all you have done to ignite an even deeper love of music. I've truly been blessed to know both of you. It is amazing how many lives you have touched."

"The impact you have had on my life has been vast."

"You are an inspiration to all of us."

"You both set such amazing examples of how to be a teacher-always caring and concerned about your students."

"I am a much better teacher and musician because of our lessons together. You both have shown me what an excellent musical mentor is. You are passionate about what you do and you realize that being a music teacher is much more than teaching music."

"When you accept someone into your studio, you welcome them into your family. Through your guidance, I have grown as a person and as a teacher."

"Not only have you made me a better teacher, but you have brought the joy of teaching into my life."

"Your teaching is unique, and every piece I studied became special. Your deep love for beauty created magical experiences I will always cherish."

"You turn a composition inside out, as if going into the composer's mind and heart. Your musicianship and knowledge are profound and you are able to blend mind and heart into a beautiful, harmonious whole."

"Your teaching has inspired me to ask my students for more beautiful details and to consider their music more deeply."

"I wanted to let you know how inspiring and motivating your lessons have been. You helped me become a much better teacher, and I will value that always."

"You have had a deeply meaningful three-fold influence on me as human being, musician and teacher."

"Your individual and combined insights into music and life are a wellspring of inspiration."

"Your musicality and deep knowledge of music have been an inspiration and your kind and gentle spirit has been wonderfully formative."

"I value you as people, mentors and friends, and you are a wonderful presence in the musical world."

"Thank you for your marvelous teaching which brought out the best in all of us."

"I cannot adequately express the impact you have had on my life. I have had numerous music teachers over the years, but you two have always been my touchstone mentors. You embody what music means to me. I strive to be more like you when I teach, and to care for my students as deeply as you care for yours. Thank you for inspiring me years after our formal lessons have ended."

The Dersnah-Fee School of Music
Midland, Michigan