I am a local piano teacher and long time Coronado resident in search of a location to hold a student recital. In most cities, San Diego included, the public library is an ideal place for this to happen. Therefore, you can only imagine my excitement when I learned that my local library has in its possession a marvelous Steinway piano gifted by The Friends of the Library. Regrettably this piano was donated with the stipulation that it can only be played by “professionals,” leaving it to just “sit” and be admired on all but a few days per year!
My primary query is: What is the point of having a piano in a public facility, financed by public taxes, that the public; young and old, learned and learning, cannot avail themselves of?
My second question is: If not the local community, then who are The Friends of the Library?
Once this magnificent piano is permitted to be played by local musicians, certainly in a performance for the public venue, then The Friends of the Library would be providing local children with more than just a tool to demonstrate his/her learning, but an opportunity to learn how integral they can be as future civic minded residents. With the current regulations in tack the only message that I hear is that the piano is more important the the children of Coronado.
The financial support of the Friends of the Library helps provide a significant number of resources, porgrams, and activities at the Coronado Library. Why nor music?
As a result of the stern decree by the Friends of the Library, Coronado residents have this beartiful Steinway piano that sits idle most of the time because it is too valuable to use.
Is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture?
Kathleen Petryshyn
Certified Simply Music Teacher
619-435-4351
Coronado, CA
