Testimonials

Testimonials

 

My six-year-old had found Paula after losing her previous two piano teachers within a few months time (due to circumstances out of our control).  I was worried about her transition,  yet it could not have been more smooth.  Paula’s patient nature, easy smile and love of music translated into a language any child can interpret.  My daughter warmed up immediately and has finally found a home with a teacher she adores.  My favorite moments of our experience are when I’m invited into the room to hear them play together.  They’re a delightful duo, and Paula brings out this wonderful light from my daughter.
She’s incredibly lucky to be a part of Paula’s tutelage.

………………………………………………………………………………………..     .—  Cathy Fay

Dear Paula,

… It’s a wonderful opportunity for me, and I’m very excited to have it, but I’m crushed that accepting it will mean that I’m no longer able to take piano lessons with you…

I’ve benefitted so much from your instruction, thank you! I love the inventive exercises you’ve designed for me – I never know what’s next, and that’s kept my learning entertaining, engaging and challenging! I had no idea lessons could be like this – I had been resigned to accept a regimen of dull and grinding! I’m grateful that you’ve given me such encouragement and enriched my desire to continue to improve, and I wish I could both accept the job and continue to be your student. Leaving your instruction will be a considerable loss to me.

…………………………………………………………………… – Renee Pedrazanni

 

Looking back over the past thirteen years of my study with Paula Bobb, it is hard for me to believe that it has in fact been that long, and even harder to believe that
she will not be a part of my weekly routine any longer.  She has sculpted the entire foundation of my love and knowledge of music, and this is no miniscule gift.

For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing Paula Bobb, you are already aware that she is dynamic and expressive, and that her passion for music and for life are inexhaustible.  Anyone she encounters has a chance to see these aspects of her character.  I consider myself lucky, because after spending thirteen years with Mrs. Bobb, I have been able to see what may not be apparent to everyone.  In addition to her excitement and passion, I have also seen her devotion to her work and her students, her limitless empathy, and her support.  She has put more time and energy into my development as a musician than I could have ever expected, and she has also become a wonderful friend.

Mrs. Bobb and I will soon head in different directions, and I am just now beginning to understand the impact that she has had on my life.  As her colleagues, students, family, and friends, I ask you to try to understand what an incredible light Paula Bobb shines on your life.  I know that that light will continue to shine on in mine.  Thank you, Mrs. Bobb.

…………………………………………………………………… –Emily Mitchell-Eaton

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During my years in music school, I was so consumed with the idea of not being good enough—indeed, of not even being musical—that I failed to learn many things about how to play the piano: nuances of touch and tone, sustaining of long lines, expressiveness, control and gradation of dynamics.  In other words, my self-doubt rendered me incapacitated in exactly the ways I feared and led to debilitating stage fright.
Over some years, I came to realize that although I could use a beta-blocker (propranolol) for assistance in performing, true confidence would require that I remedy my weaknesses as a pianist and musician.  I needed a teacher.

Fortunately, I attended a concert at Hochstein and heard Paula play Debussy’s Clair de Lune.  What exquisite playing!  Gorgeous tone and color.  Perfect control of the quietest dynamics.  Sustained long phrases.  All the things I didn’t know how to do.

Amazingly enough, Paula not only can do these things, she can also teach them.  Unlike former teachers who would simply tell me what I should do, Paula can actually show me how to vary my touch, how to produce more beautiful sound, how to play long lines, how to express myself with greater freedom.  And she does this with patience, kindness, warmth, and humility.  She really knows how to play the piano, and she really knows how to teach! –Helvi McClelland

 

I felt a lacking in my life. I went to work. I came home. I did housework. That’s all I did. I felt I needed to be creative, express myself, do something for the love of doing it, something enriching, not just a means to an end.

You unlocked the mystery to me. You showed me a glimpse that it is possibility, not magic. The playshop made me realize that I could actually do it!

— Jeannine Wagner

 

My previous piano experience had been stressful, but I had no doubts or hesitation because you called it a playshop. If I can come play, it takes the fear out of it!

I learned so much more in this playshop than I did from another teacher in many lessons. The time passed quickly and I looked forward to what came next because of the way you were teaching. I loved your use of photography. Now when I look at other objects I am thinking musically. I see with different eyes. It was a great experience and fun!

— Sherry Burdsall

 

This playshop is an opportunity to explore a level of creativity that is usually obscured by our everyday lives and business. It is a reminder to relax and to let music lift the spirit rather than create performance anxiety.

I think I mentioned that I “stole” the concept of allowing “play” to be a vehicle for creativity for a staff presentation I made a couple of weeks ago. It was surprisingly well received.

I enjoyed the way the workshop was paced.You set about a series of distinct goals and we moved forward through them, with the flexibility to pause when necessary to address a particular topic.

Paula–Thanks again for your enthusiasm and the comfort you gave all of us. I enjoyed the experience very much.

— Dr. Celia Easton