The Royal Conservatory Of Music Blesses Me Upon Retirement.

I retired as senior citizen. I am on holidays now I said. I thought my life would be quiet and reserved. While walking through the halls of the apartment complex, I discovered a room with a piano. The piano was aged, I thought maybe someone like Glenn Gould had played the piano. I sat down absolutely delighted and played "Chopsticks". Well, this piano has a good sound. I asked management the next day for permission to play the piano and they gave their consent.

A few years of Conservatory and I was destined to learn to play the upright piano again. I bought books from the local music store. Practice came every day at least twice. I had classical books with my repertoire, contemporary, church and Christmas songs. I discovered the love of playing the piano and when I had selection songs I could play, I played for the senior's tea and coffee hour.
We also had a dinner once a week and I would bring my piano books along. The room was at the penthouse level and overlooked the city. I would play the piano for my neighbours and then we would have a delicious dinner.Somehow they liked the sound of my music.

We decided to form a choir for Christmas and I was asked to play for the Seniors' Choir. After many practices, we finally gave an excellent Christmas Concert for our neighbours. Each person was asked to bring some delicious baked cookies and cake and tea and coffee were to be served after the concert. The choir sang to a packed room and was very successful. I was given a bouquet of flowers as a thank-you from the choir.

Well I thought you can't say we aren't keeping busy. I would continue to learn more songs. One day I was asked to play the piano again. I was excited because I had been asked to play for the Senior's Birthday party. Are you ready for some real practices, I said to myself. My first concert came and went. The audience was very appreciative. We had some delicous birthday cake and tea. I was chosen to play for the second Senior's Birthday party. This was just as successful.

The conservatory miracle continues. the Senior's residence have their very own Senior Idol competition. A representative from mangagement came to me one day and asked me to play to welcome the seniors to the competition. I was absolutely delighted.

I call these Conservatory Miracles. My favorite songs are "Catch A Falling Star" , "Ave Maria" , "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Silent Night." There is room for more Conservatory Miracles.

copyright Gwen Schutz