Dear ,

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s performance, which featured a breathtaking rendition of Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. The guest pianist's virtuosic performance was so moving that, at one point, my eyes welled with tears. It was one of those rare, beautiful moments when music transcends the boundaries of the concert hall and speaks directly to the soul.

As I sat in the audience, I was struck by the incredible diversity of the crowd. From teenagers and young adults experiencing their first symphonic performance to seasoned concertgoers who’ve attended countless shows, the range of ages was a beautiful reminder of music’s universal appeal. It affirmed that no matter our background or experience, music has a way of connecting us all.

That evening left me reflecting on my own musical journey, which has been shaped by years of classical training. My early exposure to the technical and expressive foundations of music has given me the tools not only to perform but to connect deeply with the artistry of every performance I experience. It’s easy to take these lessons for granted, but moments like these remind me how fortunate I am to have had such a strong musical foundation.

I also realized how much I’ve missed classical music—it's the genre that first sparked my passion for music. Sitting in the concert hall, I felt a sense of coming home, reconnecting with something deeply ingrained in me as both a musician and a person.

This experience served as a poignant reminder that no matter where our musical journeys take us, revisiting the music that first inspired us can be both grounding and inspiring. To our students, especially those just beginning their musical studies, know that the skills you’re building now are not just preparing you for your next lesson—they’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of musical appreciation and connection.

And for those of you who may have taken a break from the music that first sparked your love of this art form, I encourage you to revisit it. Whether it’s a piece or a genre that shaped your early experiences, you might be surprised by how much it still speaks to you—and how much more it has to offer as you continue to grow in your musical journey.

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

Warm regards,
Allison Jarrell 🎵
Founder and CEO