I don't recall exactly how old Nicholas was when he began studying with me, but I do recall a cute little dude, with a tiny hat and a backpack full of crayons and "Hot Wheels", talking my head off as I attempted to teach him each week. That was at least two decades ago.
Today, Nick is a fine young man, with an unbridled enthusiasm for anything to do with music. He studying Piano Performance at Grant MacEwan University, in Edmonton, Alberta, has begun "molding the minds" of his own students, and is vocalist and guitarist "extraordinaire", for "Darryl Saves Lives", a rock 'n roll powerhouse.
In my half-century of teaching, I have had the privilege of watching thousands of students in their evolution from preschoolers, to elementary schoolers, to teenagers, and beyond. Nick was no exception.
Eliminating the "squirmies", all those "Twinkles", cramming for recitals, hastily completed theory assignments in the back of the car on the way to lessons, many "ups" and many "downs", countless hours of hard work and a brilliant musical mind have combined to produce the Nicholas Lai we see today.
I am proud to share this video of Nick's Junior Recital at Grant MacEwan University, in Edmonton, Alberta. I must admit, watching the live stream, sent chills up and down my spine and brought the odd tear to my eyes.
Way to go Nick! You will always be my "Little Buddy"!