From 2003-2005, I was fortunate to have been one of the last students of the legendary American concert pianist, Constance Keene (1921-2005). Ms. Keene and I were very close, having shared a deep and meaningful bond.
As one of her last students during the final two years of her life, I would hurry to my dorm room after each and every lesson, studio class and personal visit, in order that I might write down, word for word, her sage advice, those biting one-liners and, most of all, her vast knowledge of piano playing, so heavily influenced by countless friendships with nearly every major artist of the twentieth century.
Inspired by Speaking of Pianists, a book written by Ms. Keene's husband, Abram Chasins, my own book, Speaking of Constance, will (eventually) serve to share my own stories of this remarkable lady.
My Speaking of Constance Facebook group serves as a platform for me to share some of the articles and photos that I have been discovering as I dig through various online publications. As Ms. Keene believed strongly in the preservation of the study of the tradition of piano playing, I hope that followers of this group will gain an appreciation for her own life and legacy.
I invite you to follow along as I discover glimpses into the life of a truly great pianist and proud Steinway Artist. For those folks curious about my lesson notebook, please stay tuned .
