Honoring an Influential Teacher

The Lord has given me many great teachers throughout my life. Some have had significant impact in one way or another, for different reasons. One in particular—my high school piano teacher—really encouraged me and developed me in ways that, to this day, I’m still grateful for. Her name is Joan Smith, and she became more than just a teacher; she became a friend.

Recently she was honored by the Chamber of Commerce in Greene, NY (my hometown) as the citizen of the year. I was given the privilege of writing a recommendation for her to be considered for the honor, and I’ve included it below. Recently my pastor encouraged our staff to write a letter to those who have had an impact on our lives. I’m thankful for people like Mrs. Smith who took the time to mentor, listen to, work with, and develop. I trust that in a small way I can have that type of positive influence within my small sphere of influence.

Dear Friends:

Thank you for considering Joan Smith for recognition. I owe a great debt of gratitude to this fine musician and a person I have long known as a friend.

I began studying piano with her when I was in junior high school. I can only imagine what her memories of me are—an average (at best) piano student whose appearance looked like he might be of better value to the football team. Looks are often deceiving; I had little interest in sports at the time. Her patience and perseverance, combined with her love and enthusiasm of music, led me to begin to appreciate music more and develop as a musician. It wasn’t long before I progressed and was able to “graduate” from my lesson and theory books, and study piano music by many of the great composers. Having been raised in the church, my interest was primarily church music; but she understood that to be a good church musician you needed the technique and skill that only came from mastering the great works of piano literature. Occasionally she would inspire me by playing a bunch of songs, and then she would ask me to choose one or two to work on. It was always difficult to decide, as her artistry often motivated me to want to learn them all.

One anecdote which I fondly remember involves my meticulous preparation of a particularly difficult song for an upcoming recital. It was an intermediately arranged version of the William Tell Overture, and although I felt as though I had made great strides in learning the piece, I just couldn’t seem to be able to get the final few measures. When it was lesson time, and time for me to show my work, I eagerly played the song for her, but when I got to the end, I sort of made up my own ending. Not really sure what her reaction would be, I was pleasantly surprised to find that she liked it! She actually encouraged me to play it that way at the recital. I’ll never forget that emboldening moment, which turned out to be a catalyst for my writing and arranging today.

Largely because of Joan’s influence, I went on to college to study music. While I still had much to learn, she provided the foundation of my musical training and development that would later translate into a flourishing musical career. My love for music—which she helped to initially inspire—led me squarely into full time music work, serving as the Music and Worship Pastor of a church in central Georgia. Here, I enjoy so many opportunities, including a large choir, a growing orchestra, and numerous fine musicians that serve under me. Joan’s legacy is reflected in my published works, including various choral anthems and recording projects. Some of the publishers of music that Joan taught me are the very same publishers that I now write for. Any success or accolades that I receive are in large part due to her consistent musical contribution into my formative years.

It’s been a privilege to not only have been called her student, but her friend. She has a deep love for her family, and exhibits a passion for the church and her various music endeavors. She is not given to mediocrity, and she has the ability to motivate, inspire, and bring out the best in you. Her love for others and music is infectious. I am just so very grateful to have been a part of her life, and to have been under her influence.

Respectfully submitted,

James Koerts

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