Rose Petal Ceremony after Spring Recital, June 11, 2021

Academic Year 2021-2022

From a graduating senior:

I am so grateful for all the time, talks and piano instruction you have given me.  I am especially grateful that you were my teacher.

From the parent of a high school freshman:  

Thank you for sharing, inspiring and being is generous with your knowledge of music, your caring and your kindness.  We are deeply grateful.

From the parent of a fifth grader:

As always, thank you for your commitment, patience, love of music and of each of these children.  

From the parent of second and fourth graders:

We love you so much!

From the parent of an eighth grader and also a high school graduate who is now in college:

I have always appreciated your thoughts, care and attention to both of my children.  You are such an important part of our lives.

From an advanced adult student:

I just want to thank you for being a wonderful (best ever!) teacher and for being patient with me, too.  I had already determined that you’re never getting rid of me, but if I hadn’t, today’s lesson would have brought me to that conclusion!

From a colleague who conducted a High School Master Class:

It was a pleasure and an honor to work with your students on Sunday.  I admire how you challenge them and urge them forward!

From a participant in the Midsummer Adult Piano Retreat 2022:

Your musical expertise, your emotional depth, your warmth, your energy….much appreciated, as always!

Academic Year 2020-2021 

From a parent of a fourth grader:  

Thank you for everything you are doing for each and every student, for the parents. You made impossible – possible. What a year!!

From the parent of a third grader:  

Thank you for all the love and hard work you put into the weekly piano lessons.  The transition from in-person to virtual lessons went as well as we could hope.  The continual, consistent music means so much, especially during this pandemic.  We are so grateful for you!

From the parent of a freshman and sophomore in high school, a piano student himself:

You are one of the most caring and dedicated teachers I’ve known.  How lucky my children are to have you as their piano teacher!

From a middle school student:  

Thank you for the wonderful gift bag and music!  I love everything in it, especially the music book, music pencils and composition sheets.  I’m so fortunate to have a piano teacher as great as you!

From a parent of a graduating senior (the second of her children to graduate from the studio:)

I want you to know how grateful I am to you for so many things.  First and foremost, for teaching, guiding, inspiring my son and daughter to not only play piano, but to really love music.  I credit you with making it a part of their souls.

From an adult student:

I first met Alison Barr in 2008 at the Midsummer Adult Piano retreat at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  She has been one of the three leaders of this event ever since then.  I’ve had one lesson a year from her for most of the intervening years, but have been unable to take regular lessons from her because of the distance between our homes.  That all changed with the arrival of COVID-19 when Alison, like many music teachers, decided to give remote lessons.  I jumped at the chance and have been taking lessons once a week for the past six weeks.  

2020 Testimonials from Students taking Virtual Lessons 

From the mother of a high school senior:

I know this has been challenging, but don’t worry!  It has been a very worthwhile experience and you have clearly put your ALL! into it!  We can’t thank you enough for persisting through this incredibly challenging time.

You have made this time as “normal” as possible, especially for these seniors for whom none of this feels normal or celebratory.  I know this all is a huge effort for you and takes so much more work.  Please know how very much appreciated it is!

From a seventh grader and her parents:

Alison Barr is a highly skilled piano teacher and musician. Alison inspires, is caring and innovative with each lesson. 

A thoughtful mentor with positive energy, Alison is a dedicated teacher. 

Alison’s love of music and teaching, combined with her knowledge of different composers and genres – classical, contemporary, and jazz — as well as her ability to bring together ensembles, is top notch.  It is this love of music and enthusiasm for ensembles and excellence that has inspired a deep and broad love of music and of the piano within our daughter. 

We recommend Alison wholeheartedly and are so grateful to have her as a teacher and mentor for our daughter. 

Whether the lessons are held in Alison’s beautiful studio, that is filled with bells, a stunning piano, and an ambience of enthusiasm, positive energy, and support – or conducted by televideo – the lessons are always conducted on time, offer challenge and inspiration.  

We are incredibly grateful to have Alison as a teacher. 

From a former student who resumed lessons while awaiting his Medical School residency:

My name is Ryan Tressel and I have known Alison Barr for over 15 years. I first began taking piano lessons with Mrs. Barr when I was in the sixth grade and continued until I graduated high school. During that time, Mrs. Barr became an invaluable teacher, mentor, and role model for me. She helped me build an intense appreciation for the piano and classical music in general and she helped instill a work-ethic that I have applied in numerous areas of my life. Over the years, I have remained close with Mrs. Barr and I have continued to play the piano on a fairly frequent basis. I am very grateful for having developed the skill of playing the piano; it is something I will have for the rest of my life.

During these strange and uncertain times as our communities face unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, everyone is experiencing struggles in one way or another. For some, basic necessities are scarce. For others, highly structured routines have been disrupted. For many, social distancing and accumulating anxieties are beginning to take a toll on their well-being.

As the virus began spreading more rapidly and it became apparent that in-person meetings were going to become untenable, Mrs. Barr informed me that she was going to have to teach her students virtually. She offered for me to try a lesson over Zoom which I was thrilled about; it was my first lesson in about seven years. Since that first lesson, I have had two additional virtual lessons.

While I can say that nothing can fully replace an in-person lesson with Mrs. Barr, virtual lessons are certainly a suitable alternative for the time being. The technology required for a virtual lesson is widely accessible and I have found the quality of sound and video to be quite good. Mrs. Barr was still able to effectively critique my sound, technique, and interpretation and instruct me on ways to improve. As a result, I found myself to be improving week by week on a fairly challenging piece.

After several lessons, I firmly believe that virtual lessons are a valid way to learn the piano and for current students, it can be a powerful way to maintain continuity and sustain interest in one’s musical education. But perhaps the benefit of these virtual lessons that is most likely to be overlooked is its ability to lend a sense of productivity, normalcy, and inspiration. Having recently graduated from medical school, I am currently preparing to start working very soon as an Emergency Medicine Resident Physician. Mrs. Barr’s lessons have been a consistent source of positivity in a time when there is significant negativity and stress. She has helped to motivate me and challenge me intellectually in order to meet my goals.

As we each navigate these times in our own unique ways, I hope that everyone can find an outlet that inspires creativity and provides the necessary encouragement to keep pushing forward and remaining optimistic. For me personally, that outlet has been the piano and I am sure that can be the case for many others.

From an adult student:

As someone who is old-school in the sense that I prefer in-person interactions to phone calls, and phone calls to texts, I was pretty skeptical at the idea of a piano lesson over video chat. Over the past several weeks, Alison has gone above and beyond to ensure that as little as possible of our lessons is lost via video chat and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how effective the lessons have remained. Her video and audio quality, attention to detail, and coaching is just as good as an in-person!

From an adult student who is also a parent of an 8th grade student and a high school student:

(About the First Virtual Recital) Bravo everybody.  It’s so wonderful to personally eye-witness how small, adorable bundles growing into such great musicians!!! They are exciting. They are the best things that have happened to all of us.  

From parents of a 2019 graduating seniors:

You have been a VIP in my and my kids’ lives for 18 years.  You are a friend, mentor, listener, advice giver and supporter, along with a music teacher.

I’m not sure words can express how deeply grateful I am to have found you so long ago.  You’ve been the most wonderful music teacher, “therapist,” confidante and friend to my son.  He may not know it yet, but you have been a guiding light to his soul.  I will be forever grateful.

From a former student, now in college:

Thank you so much for taking me out to lunch!  It was so good to see and talk with you.  I am so fortunate to have an educator in my life who cares so much about her students.  I am also amazed by your vibrancy, love for music, dedication to others and great sense of humor.  Thank you for so many amazing years of teaching and mentorship!

From a Parent of a HS Junior:

People always talk about the stress during the middle school years, but we have found it to be equally stressful for our daughter during high school.  Many of the coaches and people she has interacted with in high school have had fluctuating behavior.  I wanted to let you know that it has been a gift to have you in her life as one of the most consistent and caring adults with whom she spends time.  She knows how much you care about advancing her music as well as her well-being in life.  I want you to know that we appreciate all you do, as well as your support of her as a person.  It is so important to have adults outside your family that care for you like your family does.  You represent that person in her life.

From Midsummer Adult Piano Retreat students, summer 2019:

Thank you for sharing your musical wisdom and great sense of humor with us. You’ve made this retreat a magical experience!

I loved my lesson!  I wish I could commute!

Sending a big hug for all the ways you helped make this year’s piano retreat the best ever!  The way you explain things like music theory makes so much sense!

I’ve enjoyed my week so much and I’ve learned a lot about music and friendship.  You are a very special, thoughtful, talented and energetic person!

Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful enterprise, Midsummer Adult Piano Retreat.  It was a great pleasure to perform for such discerning and intelligent ears.  I also enjoyed hearing you play!

From the parent of a 2018-2019 Middle School Student :

Thank you for the beautiful piano lessons for my daughter.  Because of your inspiration, guidance and joy, she has found a real love of the piano and of music.  Thank you, again, for all you share.

From a 2018-2019 Junior:

Thank you very much for helping me become the best pianist I can over all these years.  I have really enjoyed my lessons and the pieces that I have learned!

Testimonials from the archives:

From 2018 graduating seniors:  

I will never forget the appreciation for music you’ve instilled in me.  You are an unsung hero in so many people’s lives.  If I can bring half the passion to life that you do to teaching piano,the world will be a brighter place!

Thank you so much for your piano expertise and friendship over the last ten years.  I cannot express how much our time together has meant to me.  

Because of you, I have learned both the piano and many life lessons.All these years have truly meant so much to me.  I count you as a trusted friend.  Your teaching and support have been the best part of these past years!

From Midsummer Adult Piano Retreat students; summer 2017

My private lessons with you inspire me throughout the year.  Your kindness, warmth and generosity set a beautiful tone for all of us and your lively intelligence keeps us on our toes!

Thank you for your coaching, music mentoring and all you do so often.

You have such a gift for teaching and your enthusiasm for music is infectious!

From an college essay by a former student:

I’ve never met such an inspiring and passionate woman in my entire life.  Learning the piano has so many benefits, and I am forever grateful to have had music as a creative outlet when, at times, I’m feeling lost.  Alison has had such an impact on my life and I’ll continue to share her story with anyone who is craving some inspiration.

From a parent of a high school student at the end of 2016-2017 year:

This has been such an amazing year for my daughter, and for her dad and me to see her love of music and her skill set flourish.  She has experienced such growth under your direction.  Thanks for always maximizing the lesson time and for putting boundless amounts of energy into every breath and every minute.  

From the parent of a 2016 graduating senior: 

I don’t know where to begin to thank you for everything you have given my son – your time, your encouragement, your patience, your passion.  You have nurtured a love and appreciation of music that will only grow throughout his lifetime.  You have helped him to learn some of life’s most valuable lessons – hard work is necessary; perseverance and practice will get you far; nothing in life is free; when you fail, pick yourself up and commit to success the next time; appreciate the beauty in life; and, nothing is more life-sustaining than friendship.  Your gift of friendship was so important in his life.

From 2016 graduating seniors: I really can’t express my sadness at the fact that our piano lessons are over.  I’m shocked that we’ve had TEN great years of playing and learning.  (I’m further shocked that you managed to survive me for so long.)  I think senior year was our best year.  My musical ability was the best it’s been, but also, piano lessons were a stable and steadfast pillar of my life during this year of unchecked chaos and tumult.  Thank you for being both the best and longest-running teacher I’ve had.

I cannot wait to dive into Beethoven.  He will definitely be coming to college with me!  Thank you for always supporting me and being a friend.  I will never forget our eventful lessons or my love for music!

You’ve been not only my piano teacher for the past ten straight years, but you’ve also been such an amazing influence in my life.  You are someone I will never forget, someone who will stay with me as the woman who introduced me to so many different worlds of music and who taught me how to appreciate and play them.  Music has helped me so much thus far, and I have you to thank.

From a current student, high school sophomore: I feel like my playing has taken a great leap forward this year.  I am so grateful to be one of your students!!

From a current student, high school freshman: Thank you for teaching me piano.  It is my favorite instrument, and a great skill that I am proud to have, knowing how to play so well.  I like being able to listen to a song and have the ability to just dissect it and learn how to play it myself.  And I don’t think I would be able to do that without your teaching and guidance.  Thank you for being so supportive of me and my musical talents.

From a former student now entering medical school: I really appreciate all the support and guidance you have provided me over the past several years. You have always been a tremendous role model for me and continue to inspire me to strive for greatness in all that I do.

From a current student upon her induction into National Honor Society: I wanted to recognize you for everything you have done for me.  You have been an amazing guiding adult figure in my life and I will never forget the lessons you’ve taught me about hard work, believing in myself, and well…music!  Your dedication and passion cannot be matched.

From a parent of a high school sophomore: Words cannot express how thankful I am that we found you for our piano teacher.  Our son absolutely loves you and has learned so much!  You are a gift to the music world and to our children.

Prior to 2015:

From a 2015 graduating senior: Thank you for years of wisdom and musical guidance.  You’ve truly been an incredible friend and mentor!

From a former student, now a music teacher: I had the incredible opportunity to study piano with Alison Barr for 10 years. Her passion and energy for music and teaching is inspiring to all of her students. She is one of the most kind and genuine people I know. Alison has been one of my greatest influences to enter the music education field. Her guidance and knowledge she instilled in me continue to influence my own teaching every year. I am proud to call Alison my mentor and friend!

From a parent: Alison Barr has taught both of my children from an early age, and I can honestly say that her teaching has been a privilege for us. She possesses all of the qualities one could ever hope for in a piano teacher. She is brilliant, dynamic, engaging, inspiring, encouraging, and committed to her role as teacher and mentor. Not only does she work with her students to build a technically solid foundation in the early stages of a student’s development, but she also helps elevate her students to an artistically high level as they advance in their musical studies. In the process, her students develop into musicians who truly enjoy and appreciate the art of music. She is unique because she offers far more than just piano lessons. She motivates and inspires her students to express themselves through their music. The proof of her teaching gifts is in her students whom I have enjoyed watching over the years develop into beautiful musicians. I highly recommend Alison for a piano student at any level.

From two current students, grades 10 and 11: Mrs. Barr is an experienced piano teacher whose vast musical background enables her to teach all genres, styles and methods, as well as music history and vocabulary. She is a kind and understanding person, but still teaches her pupils advanced materials and expects more than most teachers dare to expect.

You have always been an amazing teacher who has made piano easy and fun to learn. Not only do you take the time to be a stellar teacher, but also a great friend who I am always happy to see.

From a parent: You have been such an important part of my children’s early years and have given them a musical foundation to last a lifetime.

From a parent who is also a student: I absolutely see the presence of a higher inspiration in you, in all that you do and all that you are. I am grateful that my children and I are around you and learning from you all the time.