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A Month of Thanks and the Sound of Growth

A reflection on gratitude, growth, and the instrument that first gave voice to emotion, and how artistry continues to reveal new layers of beauty.

Dear ,

As we enter this season of gratitude, I’ve been reflecting on the ways music has shaped my life, not just as a career but as a lifelong pursuit of growth and connection. For me, that journey began at the piano. From the moment I first placed my hands on the keys, it became my language, my way of expressing emotions I didn’t yet have words for. The piano taught me how to listen, how to feel, and how to grow through sound.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on some truly extraordinary instruments, each one with its own personality and voice. But recently, I came across the work of photographer Charles Brooks, whose stunning images “transform the interiors of rare instruments into vast architectural scenes,” almost like stepping inside a cathedral built from sound. His photographs of Steinway pianos, among my favorites, of course, drew me in immediately, inviting me to see the instrument from a new perspective. Seeing the hidden architecture within these instruments, the craftsmanship, the unseen beauty that makes music possible, reminded me of how much there is to be grateful for beneath the surface of what we do.

Just like the piano’s inner framework supports every note we play, our core value of Pursuing Growth at Metro Music Makers supports everything we strive for as musicians, educators, therapists, and human beings. Growth is what allows us to keep discovering beauty in new forms, to listen more deeply, and to express more fully.

This month, I’m thankful for that growth, for the instruments that shaped us, the students who inspire us, and the music that continues to teach us who we are.

Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way.

Allison Jarrell  🎶

Founder & CEO

You can view Charles Brooks’ stunning Steinway piano photographs here.

"I am also grateful every day for the incredible teachers and staff who pour their hearts into helping our students grow through music and connection. As we enter this month of thanks, we’re celebrating the heart of our Metro Music Makers family." -Allison