my love for piano essay

It’s quite possible that this is what initially drew me to the piano as a young child. My paternal grandparents had an Edwardian upright piano in their front room which my grandfather could play quite competently. I recall perching next to him, watching his hands moving around the keys and enjoying the sounds. I also found the piano stool intriguing; an old-fashioned affair with a lift-up seat, it was the repository of a treasure trove of scores and song books. When I began having piano lessons, these old scores provided hours of entertainment. I would ramble through sonatas by Haydn and Mozart , playing badly but not caring. I was just enjoying the sounds of the instrument and the sensation of the silky ivory keys beneath my fingers. I probably didn’t realise it at the time, but these explorations were also crucial in honing my sight-reading skills.

© Ángel Martínez Martín / Unsplash

It’s important to love the instrument you choose to play; otherwise why else would you bother? I learnt the clarinet in my early teens, in order to play in the school orchestra, but this was my father’s chosen instrument and I always felt I was intruding on his world. But the piano was mine, it was my instrument, and the upright we had at home, rescued from a summerhouse and lovingly restored, was a companion and a place where stories and adventures were created.

Another aspect of the piano which fascinated me – and still does – was the apparent “loneliness” of the pianist (something I have written about here The Pianist’s Solitude ). The pianist, alone on the stage, has a particular mystique. While other musicians, be they soloists, ensembles or orchestras, generally sit facing the audience, the pianist does not, and this immediately changes the dynamic between performer and audience. I wonder if that sense of aloneness perhaps appealed to my only child sensibilities?

The piano’s range of sound and colours is extraordinary. It can sing the sweetest arias, loudly declaim, rumble, whisper, stutter…. Its sounds can hang in the air, long after the last note has sounded. It can surprise, soothe, enthral and entertain. Fleeting and effervescent at one moment, gritty and powerful the next, few other instruments have anything like the range of the piano – both tonally and dynamically. This gives composers and players a vast “playground” of timbres – Debussy ’s kaleidoscopic Pagodes , for example, or the plangent sonorities of Busoni ’s transcription of Bach’s mighty D minor Chaconne . In addition, one can be both soloist and accompanist, or even a full orchestra – and one only has to look to the declamary opening of Beethoven ’s ‘Hammerklavier’ sonata, for example, to appreciate the piano’s orchestral qualities.

And then we come to the repertoire! No other instrumentalist has the range of choice, at once a luxury and a headache. What on earth should I play next?? But the repertoire is so vast that it can satisfy every taste and level of ability. It is perhaps a mark of the instrument’s wide repertoire, that my tastes change frequently: after weeks spent working on Liszt ’s rich textures, Bach’s elegance is refreshing; Debussy’s sensuousness is tempered by the spare clarity of a contemporary miniature by Howard Skempton.

Through this wonderful repertoire we are connected to some of mankind’s greatest creators, and as players we can share this extraordinary creation with others.

For more of the best in classical music, sign up to our E-Newsletter

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

All fields are required. Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

College Essay: Music Opens Doors

The beauty of the piano was that it became a large part of who I am. The consonant and dissonant sounds of jazz, classical, and modern music fill my limbic cortex with everlasting joy. Music has helped me cope with the loneliness of childhood and to gain self-confidence, and leadership.

My love for music will always be a center of my life even if college and career take me elsewhere. The piano also has led me to pursue other interests such as poetry, acting, biology, writing, and computer programming, including after-school extracurricular activities such as College Possible, Jazz Band, and Piano Club.

I did not fit in with classmates during my childhood years. I was somewhat awkward and aggressive, bored and very lonely.

On a sunny afternoon at my cousin’s house, I became fascinated with the piano as I heard my cousin play a solemn tune that sparked inspiration deep in my atria. I asked my father that day to buy me a piano. He did, and I taught myself. I sat down at my family’s electric piano more and more. YouTube videos, music lessons, and simple practices. Slowly, the piano became part of who I am.

The bliss of listening and playing my favorite pieces on piano always excited me. Despite the difficulty learning everything by myself, I felt the need to feel the pleasant sounds bring a chill down my spinal cord and that I wanted to finish it to the end.

I developed muscle memories on piano pieces without having to look back at the recording. Then I progressed on to play piano pieces by watching Synthesia piano tutorials, analyzing pieces by ear, learning how to read music notations, and how to improvise using major and minor scales.

Although I was able to learn and complete complex piano pieces, I wasn’t able to share my playing with anyone else.

That changed when I was a high school freshman when I was asked to play in a piano class. I felt insecure and pressured wondering whether my music teacher would disapprove of my style and seeing other students gaze stiffly at me. I laid my fingers on the polished wooden white and black keys and let loose the sounds of a summer vacation tune as if I were free to do anything I wanted. Free from the pressure and insecurity.

I had never had the feeling of performing in front of audiences before. To have my accomplishment acknowledged as they applauded made me feel at home. It was an insight that was sudden and new to me like receiving a jolt of nourishing life from a lightning strike. It has helped me gain self-confidence not only in music, however into making new friends too.

Playing the piano strengthened my character in other ways, too. I became president of the Piano Club. It was fun, but I recognized that I lacked the leadership skills for the job. So I dedicated most of my summer my freshman year to developing leadership skills in a program called the Center for Hmong Arts and Talents or CHAT. I created songs with friends and learned to improve expressing myself on stage and attracting me to other summer opportunities.

I’ve changed my life significantly. I’ve become self-driven in music, schoolwork, and discovering new opportunities — competing in musical competitions, volunteering, performing as an actor as well as a musician, trying to bring joy in communicating to audiences.

Although I may not major in music (following my parent’s wishes), my eyes have been opened to so many other areas of interest, especially in arts and communications, where I can make a contribution in college and career.

© 2024 ThreeSixty Journalism • Login

ThreeSixty Journalism,

a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, uses the principles of strong writing and reporting to help diverse Minnesota youth tell the stories of their lives and communities.

My Passion for Piano is Stronger than Ever: Here’s Why

Although I’ve made a successful career out of playing the piano, that’s not the only way I embrace my talent. I’ve been composing my own music since I was 16 years old. I’m currently working on my fifth album. The piano has always been my remedy to everything. It’s truly my first love. However, my passion for piano is stronger than it’s ever been before at this time in my life. 

I like to say that the piano is the diary of my life. Whether I’m happy or sad, the piano can voice those feelings in no better way than I can say it. My passion for piano is stronger than ever right now because I’m experiencing my practice in a way that I’ve always dreamed of: as an expecting mother. ?

Why being Pregnant has Fueled my Passion for Piano 

It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl to be a mom. I’ve wanted nothing more than to have a big family of my own. That’s another reason why I love my job so much because I’m constantly surrounded by kids! With that said, dreaming about being pregnant has led to many other dreams. 

I’ve always wanted to play the piano while being pregnant. As little as 16 weeks, babies can actually hear sounds. I just knew that playing piano with my growing child would be an awe-inspiring moment. 

I don’t think there’s a moment greater than being one with my child and playing the instrument I love. It’s scientifically proven that music stimulates the baby’s brain and helps promote development. Do you want to hear something even crazier?! New studies are suggesting that babies can actually REMEMBER the music and sounds heard while in the womb! It’s just incredible. For someone who loves music, this is an indescribable blessing to experience with my child. I’ve looked forward to it for so long.

Baby Boy Changed my Perspective on Piano 

I mentioned in my pregnancy announcement blog post that I could’ve sworn I was having a girl. It was definitely a shock when I found out I’d be having a little man, but boy, am I so excited to meet him.

What came as another big surprise was how I felt about playing the piano after knowing a boy was on the way! Up until the moment I read the gender label, I had been playing piano with a little girl in mind. When I sat down to play knowing I had a little boy with me, I contemplated what to play for him! It’s like I didn’t know how to function for a minute! 

Suddenly, I realized that I already know my son. My baby boy has been playing with me from the beginning and even though I wasn’t aware, he was. So, I’ve kept playing the piano the same way but with a little different bit of perspective. At the end of the day, no matter what I play, this little baby of mine is going to love me and I can only hope that any and all music I play for him comforts him and allows him to feel my presence and love wrapped around him. 

There’s One Thing I’m Grateful for Involving COVID-19 

I’ve really taken this quarantine seriously. As a new mom, I’ve been emotional about it all and my heart has ached for all the families who have received such bad news during this time. 

In the beginning, I would tell you how much this quarantine sucks and how I hate what it’s doing to our world. But now, I do have to say I’m grateful for what I’ve experienced during the time of COVID-19. 

Not only have I gotten a chance to get caught up like the rest of us and play the piano more than I normally do outside of lessons, but I’ve also gained full confidence in my ability to keep  Cascade Method running when baby boy gets here. 

It was a blessing in disguise to go through COVID-19 prior to going on maternity leave. I was able to show families that online piano lessons are just as beneficial as in-person lessons. I was able to practically do a “run-through” with my students and their families of what it will look like in the coming months to balance motherhood and teaching. 

The reason I built this career is for the sole purpose that I didn’t want to be tied down to an office eight hours a day. I wanted to create a life that allowed me to be home with my kids more often than not. I think all of us can appreciate COVID-19 for showing us a glimpse of what we’re missing and/or what’s possible with a little extra work. 

An Update on my Fifth Album! 

I’ve always wanted to compose while being pregnant. With time at home from the virus and finding out I’m pregnant, I’ve been doing a lot of composing to move my fifth album along. 

I’m so excited to share this season of my life with you through my composition. It’s one of those things that I know will touch other people. 

If you want updates on when my album launches, be sure to follow me on social media, @taraunchained I don’t have a launch date in mind yet, but I’m definitely finding more inspiration with baby boy’s help.

2 thoughts on “My Passion for Piano is Stronger than Ever: Here’s Why”

HI Tara just read your blog. Thanks for all the sharing. Love the blue dress and blue heart for your little man. Yes he definitely will know the music from all your piano playing. I am sure of it. Best to you and all your endeavors you’re doing it because you are motivated and ambitious and you will create your own dreams and you own reality of those dreams. I’m so happy for you and Matt.

thank you so much Diana!

Comments are closed.

Join our email list and opt into our Freebie Fridays!

Receive free sheet music, downloadable games, and awesome piano resources every other Friday!

No thanks, I don't need the printables

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

• Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
• Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
• Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
• Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
• The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
• The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
• The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
• How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
• Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
• The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

• Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
• Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
• How music changes and influences social and political movements
• How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
• The innate connection between music and human beings
• How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
• Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
• Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
• How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
• How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

• I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
• I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
• I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
• How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
• What does my love for popular music say about me?
• How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
• How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
• How music motivates me to chase my dreams
• How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
• Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

Need a Music Essay ASAP?

Our expert team is quick to get you an A+ on all your assignments!

Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
• Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
• Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
• The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
• The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
• The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• Does musical therapy help depression?
• Does music reduce anxiety levels?
• Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

• The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
• Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
• How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
• How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
• How modern producers relate to classical composers
• The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
• How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
• Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
• Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
• The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

• How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
• The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
• The social benefits of participating in music groups
• The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
• The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
• The effects of music on mood and behavior
• How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
• How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
• The benefits of listening to music while exercising
• How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

• Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
• Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
• Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
• Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
• One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
• Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
• Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

Need Help in Writing an Impressive Paper?

Our expert writers are here to write a quality paper that will make you the star of your class!

FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

Should Artists' Music be Used in Advertising?

What type of music is best for writing an essay, why do people love music, related articles.

Personal Narrative Essay about Piano

I started piano almost as soon as I could walk, my tiny fingers plucking away at the notes like droplets of water falling on a tin roof. I loved playing, that feeling when I pushed down a key and a gentle vibration came back through the note, giving my hands a tingly feeling. That tingly feeling spread up my arms and around my body,  refreshing me with new energy and vigor to continue my piece. 

My grandmother, who played and taught at Elon College, became my role model and I wanted to be just like her. Whenever we would go to my grandparent’s house, I would sit beside her on the hard wooden piano bench as she would patiently watch my uncoordinated fingers stumble through my novice pieces. I found it difficult to express my emotions as she did. Her pieces always spun full of experiences and vehemence. When she would play, I could not help but watch as together, she and the piano told me stories of the frigid chills in a magical winter kingdom or the loud banging from Beethoven’s apartment as he struggled to hear his music. I would watch her long graceful fingers race across the keys as she gave everything she had to the piano, playing from the depths of her heart, completely unafraid to be vulnerable and exposed. She and the piano pulled my heart above the world, giving me a view I had never experienced before. As her nimble fingers gracefully sped down the keys to finish off the last note, I was flying above everything, seeing the world just like she did. 

Then I fell. I could only watch as I helplessly plummeted back to the ground, the wind wildly racing around me. My grandmother began to decline, and I could not stop it from happening as she moved from the piano bench to a hospital bed in the ICU. Alzheimer's moved in, taking her away piece by piece as she began referring to me as my mother and forgetting what I had told her five minutes before. During that time, I never understood what was happening.  But, I could feel myself declining along with her. I knew I was losing my love for the piano, and the worst part was, I knew I could not stop it. I hardly touched the instrument and when I did, I never felt the love for playing I had before. For a while, I felt like I was in a river, quickly moving towards a waterfall. But, when she came home, I fully understood I only had a few months left. I knew I had reached the top of the waterfall. For the first time, I truly felt like giving up, letting the waterfall pull me down. Everything inside told me to let go, everything but my grandmother. We were on an adventure together, flying thousands of miles through space on the verge of discovery and she was not letting go yet. I could feel her being pulled away from me and into the deep black hole where I would not be able to find her again. 

The evening before she died, I was at her house, working on homework in the kitchen until my mother left my grandmother’s room to talk to a nurse. I stood by the door, watching her for quite some time until I saw her eyes open and a smile peek across her face. My feet padded across the soft carpet as I walked in, over to the CD player, where it sat, perched on a shelf above her bed. There was a bin of thin shiny CDs next to the player, clacking together when I gently pulled out her favorite Frank Sinatra one.  She loved Frank Sinatra, maybe as much as she loved me, so I clicked through to her favorite song. I stood there for a while, holding her hand as ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ played in the background, giving the room life again. The tall lamp in the corner cast a soft glow across the bed, giving her the appearance of an angel. It was time for us to let go. Our journey together had been a lovely one, but we both knew she had given me enough wisdom to be successful wherever I wanted to fly next. 

When her soft blue eyes met mine, I understood why she took me so high, why she flew me to the moon and why I never accepted my emotions when playing. She showed me her view because I was so intertwined with becoming someone I could not. I never painted that view for myself, for I was never really in love. There was no such thing as falling out of love for something. I never fell out of love for piano, I fell out of the feeling I had confused for love.

Related Samples

• Importance of Inner Beauty Essay Example
• Personal Narrative Essay: My First Day at School
• Myers-Briggs Personality Test Essay Example
• Narrative Essay on My Three Wishes
• The Importance of Teamwork in the Workplace Essay Sample
• Experiment Essay Sample: Noise in School
• Impact of Technology in the Workplace Essay Sample
• How Does Music Affect Your Mood Essay Sample
• Three Components of Leader Development Essay Example
• Stress Management in the Workplace Exploratory Essay Example

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

112 Piano Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Are you struggling to come up with a topic for your piano essay? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 112 piano essay topic ideas and examples to help inspire you. Whether you are writing a research paper, a personal essay, or a reflective piece, there is sure to be a topic on this list that will spark your interest and creativity.

• The history of the piano
• The evolution of piano music
• The influence of the piano on classical music
• The role of the piano in jazz music
• Famous pianists throughout history
• The impact of technology on piano playing
• The benefits of learning to play the piano
• The psychology of piano playing
• The importance of practice in mastering the piano
• The therapeutic benefits of playing the piano
• The connection between music and emotions in piano playing
• The relationship between the piano and other instruments
• The symbolism of the piano in literature and film
• The cultural significance of the piano in different countries
• The challenges of learning to play the piano as an adult
• The role of the piano in education
• The history of piano competitions
• The different types of pianos and their characteristics
• The role of the piano in social movements and activism
• The impact of gender on piano playing and representation
• The intersection of race and piano music
• The connection between language and piano playing
• The role of improvisation in piano music
• The importance of interpretation in piano performance
• The relationship between the piano and dance
• The influence of famous composers on piano music
• The connection between the piano and mental health
• The role of the piano in religious and spiritual practices
• The impact of globalization on piano music
• The representation of the piano in visual arts
• The connection between the piano and nature
• The relationship between the piano and technology
• The role of the piano in therapy and healing
• The connection between the piano and memory
• The significance of piano recitals and performances
• The therapeutic benefits of listening to piano music
• The impact of social media on piano playing
• The role of the piano in shaping identity
• The connection between the piano and language
• The influence of politics on piano music
• The relationship between the piano and fashion
• The importance of music theory in piano playing
• The connection between the piano and architecture
• The impact of climate change on piano music
• The role of the piano in community building
• The relationship between the piano and physical health
• The significance of the piano in education systems
• The connection between the piano and food
• The influence of technology on piano teaching
• The role of the piano in nostalgia and memory
• The impact of social media on piano education
• The relationship between the piano and emotions
• The connection between the piano and literature
• The importance of playing by ear in piano music
• The influence of famous pianists on contemporary music
• The role of the piano in cultural preservation
• The significance of piano competitions in shaping young musicians
• The connection between the piano and spirituality
• The impact of immigration on piano music
• The role of the piano in storytelling
• The importance of collaboration in piano music
• The influence of technology on piano composition
• The role of the piano in social justice movements
• The significance of the piano in religious rituals
• The impact of social media on piano performance
• The relationship between the piano and literature
• The importance of music theory in piano composition
• The influence of politics on piano playing
• The significance of piano recitals in the music industry
• The connection between the piano and physical health
• The impact of climate change on piano education
• The relationship between the piano and food
• The importance of practicing mindfulness in piano playing
• The influence of technology on piano pedagogy
• The role of the piano in memory and cognition
• The impact of social media on piano composition
• The significance of the piano in cultural exchange
• The connection between the piano and fashion
• The importance of music theory in piano improvisation
• The relationship between the piano and spirituality
• The impact of technology on piano performance
• The influence of social media on piano education
• The relationship between the piano and architecture
• The impact of technology on piano composition
• The influence of immigration on piano music
• The connection between the piano and emotions
• The impact of technology on piano teaching

With this extensive list of piano essay topics, you are sure to find a subject that inspires you and allows you to explore your passion for music and creativity. Whether you are a student, a professional musician, or simply a piano enthusiast, there is something on this list for everyone. So, pick a topic, start writing, and let your love for the piano shine through in your essay!

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

• Entertainment

My Passion for Music - Piano Essay Example

“How can I improve myself and entertain my students as a teacher?”… “Was I good enough?” “Why haven't I thought of this before?” “Maybe I should have tried harder..” 

All this pondering, that contemplated in my mind, questioned my ambitions and the yearning for answers. 

The expedition began when I learned to play classical piano at five in Dallas, Texas. Playing classical music was like my version of therapy. In that case, let’s say I had a very rough day at school: I would let all of my emotions out by practicing piano and feel much better afterward. Because of this, I felt like I could do this for my long-term plan; Until an incident occurred between me and my mother. 

Ever since I started classical piano, the "only way" to interact with my mom was to argue constantly. Whenever my mother would scold me or tell me to practice at least two-and-a-half hours of piano every day, I would tell her it was "too much work”, wishing to never play again.

Piano has separated my relationship with my mother and was destroying my reputation. Eventually, I took a break, to foremost, take care of my relationship. Improving my personal relationship was one task I needed to resolve. Eventually, we finally stabilized our conflict and concluded with an agreement: Since I have become more mature for my age, I took my future and career seriously, by independently, practicing piano on my own, instead of my mother stressing herself out by telling me to practice.

All of this pondering has brought me to many doubts and loss of confidence. There were times when my past three years of high school were burdensome. I always questioned and doubted myself. Whether it’s getting accepted at a university or asking “What-if” questions, the outcome did not turn out very satisfying.

Although these anxious perceptions stressed me out, I had a way to de-stress myself, by making music and even giving piano lessons to children. 

How ironic: Am I right?

After giving lessons to a few children, I changed my perspective of my junior and senior years of high school: Instead of agonizing on how many mistakes I’ve made in the past, I chose progress forward, and work hard at school and my future piano competitions.

Since music plays a big role in my life it, fully, guided me to express my inner thoughts and subconsciousness, by letting them all out with just the tip of my fingertips. When it was my moment to perform on stage, at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, I glanced around my seat and examined other contestants, waiting to perform their pieces like me. While I was unsure, emotionally and physically, it was always my dream to dress professionally, with an exquisite dress, on stage, and I will not miss that opportunity once again.

I suddenly felt nauseous - like butterflies in my stomach, as many people would say. But my mother came to the rescue. Suddenly, the judge called my name up. People were sitting up, gazing into their eyes and applauding, as I walked onto the stage, with my heart pounding rapidly. Although it felt like an eternity, I eventually finalized my song.  As I set my hands on my lap, I heard a multitude of people, applauding and appreciating my interpretation of these classical pieces.

Although many people stood up and applauded, the only person I saw was my mother, beaming with excitement, as she gave me two thumbs-up. While I scooted away from the piano to sit with my mother, waiting for everyone else to perform their pieces after me, I began reviewing and questioning myself: “How can I enhance my future auditions and performances?” As I sat down, listening to more people performing their pieces, I felt doubt weighing down my shoulders. 

Immediately, after everyone has performed, I waited for the judges to make up their mind for the first to fourth place contestant; and when the results were announced, I was greatly astonished. At that moment, I learned a great life lesson from these past performances, and the same saying “Never give up” will always be a forever self-taught lesson.

As my passion for music and ambitions continue to grow, I strive to teach music for different types of elementary children and continue to explore classical piano on the way. I learned to not expect outcomes to happen, but continue to devote my time, so that I can become an inspiration for the community.

Related Samples

• Essay Example on Social Media is Harmful to Society
• Review on the 100. The Essay Example on TV Series
• Do Video Games Cause Violence Essay Example
• Happy Death Day Film Analysis Essay Example
• The Effects of Social Media on Eating Disorders (Essay Sample)
• Peter Pan Movie vs. Book (Free Essay Sample)
• The Power of Music Essay Example
• Horror Essay Example: Movies
• Gothic Elements in Van Helsing Movie Essay Example
• Negative Effects of Television Essay Example

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Essay on Piano

Students are often asked to write an essay on Piano in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Piano

The piano: a musical instrument.

The piano is a popular musical instrument. It’s played by pressing keys which causes a hammer to strike strings, producing sound.

History of the Piano

The piano was invented in Italy in the 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori. It has evolved over time, becoming a vital part of music.

Types of Pianos

There are two main types of pianos: the grand and the upright. The grand piano is large and horizontal, while the upright is smaller and vertical.

Piano in Music

Pianos are used in various music genres, from classical to jazz. They help create beautiful melodies and harmonies.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Piano

250 Words Essay on Piano

The origin of the piano.

The piano, a symbol of both musical grandeur and technical prowess, was invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy. It was a revolutionary development, bridging the gap between the harpsichord’s limited dynamic control and the organ’s lack of portability.

Technical Aspects of the Piano

The piano’s design is a marvel of engineering, combining acoustics, mechanics, and artistry. Its 88 keys trigger a complex mechanism, the action, which propels a felt-tipped hammer to strike steel strings, producing sound. The performer’s touch controls the volume and tone, providing a wide range of expressive possibilities.

Influence on Music

The piano’s versatility has significantly influenced Western music. It became a staple in classical music, with composers like Mozart and Beethoven exploiting its expressive potential. The piano also found its place in jazz, blues, pop, and rock, demonstrating its adaptability across genres.

The Piano and Modern Technology

As technology advanced, the piano evolved. Digital pianos and synthesizers emerged, offering new sounds and capabilities, while maintaining the traditional keyboard layout. These instruments have expanded the piano’s reach, making it more accessible and adaptable to modern music production.

The piano, through its rich history and technical sophistication, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its influence spans centuries and genres, demonstrating its enduring appeal and adaptability. As technology continues to evolve, the piano’s role in music is poised to remain significant, continuing to inspire musicians and listeners alike.

500 Words Essay on Piano

The origin and evolution of the piano.

The piano, a cornerstone of classical and contemporary music, has a rich and complex history. Its origins date back to the early 18th century, when Italian instrument maker Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the “gravicembalo col piano e forte,” a harpsichord capable of varying dynamics. This invention was the precursor to the modern piano. Over the centuries, the piano evolved from a simple wooden structure to a complex instrument with thousands of intricate parts, reflecting the technological advancements of the time.

The Mechanism of the Piano

The piano is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. It operates on the principle of striking strings with hammers, which are activated when the keys are pressed. The hammers rebound, allowing the strings to vibrate and produce sound. The soundboard amplifies these vibrations, creating the rich, resonant tones that are characteristic of the piano. The ability to control the volume and duration of the sound, by varying the force and length of key presses, gives the piano its expressive capabilities.

The Piano in Music Composition

The piano’s versatility and wide range have made it a central instrument in many forms of music. From classical symphonies to jazz improvisations, the piano’s ability to produce both melody and harmony has enabled it to adapt to diverse musical styles. Its importance in composition cannot be overstated. Composers like Beethoven and Chopin pushed the boundaries of the piano, using it to express profound emotions and thoughts, thereby transforming the landscape of Western music.

The Socio-Cultural Impact of the Piano

The piano has also played a significant role in shaping society and culture. During the 19th century, it became a symbol of social status and refinement, often seen as an essential part of a middle-class home. It was also a tool for social gatherings and entertainment, fostering a culture of music appreciation. Moreover, the piano has been instrumental in promoting gender equality. Women, who were traditionally excluded from public performances, were encouraged to play the piano, thus paving the way for female musicians and composers.

The Piano in the Digital Age

In the digital age, the piano continues to evolve. Digital pianos and synthesizers have expanded the instrument’s capabilities, allowing for a variety of sounds and effects. Additionally, online platforms and software have made learning the piano more accessible, democratizing music education. Despite these technological advances, the acoustic piano retains its allure, with its nuanced sound and tactile experience remaining unmatched.

In conclusion, the piano is more than just an instrument; it is a testament to human ingenuity and a catalyst for cultural change. Its enduring popularity and relevance, from the concert hall to the living room, attest to its universal appeal and timeless beauty. Whether through a grand concert performance or a simple melody played at home, the piano continues to captivate and inspire, resonating with the deepest aspects of our humanity.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Pharmacy
• Essay on Patience
• Essay on Parrot

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

My Love For Music Essay & Paragraphs

Music is such an amazing part of life! There’s nothing like putting on a favorite song and feeling happy inside. For me, music has brought lots of joy since I was little. In this essay, I’ll share how music inspires me and how I can grow my skills. Let’s explore all the wonderful ways music brightens my day.

Table of Contents

Essay On My Love for Music

My Favorite Artists

My all-time favorite artist is Selena Gomez. Her songs always lift my mood when I’m feeling down. I love how Selena sings with so much passion and energy! Her lyrics teach good lessons too. My other favorites are Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. They combine loving lyrics with beautiful melodies that warm my heart. I also dig exploring new artists on Spotify – it’s fun discovering new music I love.

Music (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lessons

I started learning piano last year and it was one of the best decisions ever! At first, my fingers tangled on the keys. But my teacher helped me see mistakes as opportunities, not failures. With daily practice, I’ve improved loads. I’m even writing my own songs now which feels magical. I hope to join school band next fall on a new instrument too.

Music Makes Me Happy

Whenever I’m with my friends, we sing karaoke at sleepovers. Their laughs and smiles mean the world. I’ve found music brings people together unlike anything else. And headphones help me focus during homework time. If a tough problem has me down, a quick dance break boosts my mood til I’m ready to keep going. Music fills each day with way more sunshine.

Sharing Music Therapy

One day, I dream of combining music and helping others. Maybe I’ll volunteer playing songs for retirement home residents. Or lead kids’ workshops on songwriting confidence. Music heals hearts, and sharing that gift would make me overjoyed. Even now, I journal happy lyrics when fear strikes. Knowledge is power, so let’s spread music’s nurturing power far and wide together!

In the end, music opens my heart like nothing else can. Whether through learning an instrument, singing with friends, or putting smiles on faces, its magic enriches life each moment. I’m excited to keep growing my skills and spreading joy through this universal language. With determination and teamwork, our love for music will bloom brightly for years to come!

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

My Love For You

Piano Essay

Listen to the album My Love For You by Piano Essay

Album tracks, discography.

Find all of Piano Essay's titles

Become A Dandelion

by Piano Essay

Winter Morning

Comfortable Holidays

A trip for me

Clear raindrops

Anytime, anywhere

A fairy tale of autumn

Happiness for you

Happy empathy

The Beginning Of Happiness

Emerald light love

A Light Breeze

Rose Bouquet

Start Of Happiness

Sign up to listen to the full track

No payment required

Home — Application Essay — Liberal Arts Schools — Finding My Melody

Finding My Melody

• University: Lehigh University

About this sample

Words: 441 |

Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 441 | Pages: 1 | 3 min read

As a musician, I have always been drawn to the sound of the piano. It is an instrument that can convey a wide range of emotions and has the power to move people to tears or to make them dance. I have always admired pianists who can play with such skill and emotion, and it was a close family friend who inspired me to pursue a career in piano performance.

Say no to plagiarism.

Get a tailor-made essay on

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

Watching my friend play the piano was like watching a master at work. He had a natural talent for the instrument, and his passion for music was evident in every note he played. He inspired me to take up the piano, and I soon found that I had a talent for it as well.

As I continued to learn and grow as a pianist, I discovered that there was so much more to music than just playing the notes on a page. Music is a language, and it has the power to connect people from all walks of life. I became passionate about sharing my love of music with others, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in piano performance so that I could continue to inspire and connect with people through music.

As I began to research colleges and universities that offered music programs, I knew that Lehigh University was the perfect fit for me. The university has a long and distinguished history of excellence in the arts, and I was impressed by the quality of the faculty and the resources available to students in the music department.

In addition to pursuing a career in piano performance, I am also committed to academic excellence. I am proud to have achieved a high level of academic success in high school, and I am eager to continue my studies at Lehigh University. I am confident that the university's rigorous academic programs will challenge me and help me to develop the skills and knowledge I need to succeed both as a musician and as a scholar.

I am excited about the prospect of joining the Lehigh University community and immersing myself in the rich culture of music and academics that the university has to offer. I believe that my passion for music, combined with my academic achievements, make me an ideal candidate for the university's music program and scholarship opportunities.

Keep in mind: This is only a sample.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

I am committed to pursuing my dreams of becoming a professional pianist and using my talent to inspire and connect with others through music. With the support of Lehigh University, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world through my music.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Liberal Arts Schools

+ 123 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 653 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Are you interested in getting a customized paper?

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Liberal Arts Schools

"Angelina, you're 18 going on 45" - that's my best friend, Bailey's, favorite expression. What most people don't understand, though, is that those qualities of mine that make me seem older are simply the result of a rather [...]

A thrift store is a naturally dynamic world, with a constant influx of the unknown and an incessant purging of the unwanted. Any moment may yield a glimmer of Fendi drowning in an ocean of Gap, everything marked $3.99. The [...]

In the first grade, I told my classmates that one of my favorite foods was rice. One of my friends asked me why, and I responded, “Why not? Doesn’t everyone eat rice daily?” It took me a while to realize that not everyone has [...]

As I stand on the cusp of embarking on a journey of higher education, there is one institution that has managed to capture my attention like no other: Elon University. Situated in the heart of North Carolina, Elon University is [...]

During my interview at Colorado College, I explained why I advocate for mental health awareness. I recited some ingrained statistics, such as “1 in 5 teenagers experience a severe mental disorder”, “suicide is the second leading [...]

I have always been interested in the environment and the effects that people have on it because I grew up in a coastal city in Florida. The more I learned about the subject, the more I became passionate about finding solutions [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Hi. Sign In

• View My Account
• Order History
• Print your sheet music
• Preferences
• Musicnotes Pro
• Billing information
• Create Account

Best of My Love [intermediate] By Lisa Donovan Lukas - Digital Sheet Music

Price:   $5.79  or 1 pro credit pro credits included with musicnotes pro learn more.

Your high-resolution PDF file will be ready to download in the original published key

No transpositions available

A Signature Artist Arrangement

These unique sheet music arrangements feature popular songs and original compositions from prominent YouTube musicians. From virtuosic piano to Fingerstyle guitar and beginner tutorials, you'll find the perfect piece of sheet music to print, play and master.

Quick Details

Related Video

Product Information Best of My Love [intermediate] by Lisa Donovan Lukas - Digital Sheet Music

• At a Glance
• Arrangement Details
• Song Details
• Related Products
• Lisa Donovan Lukas
• Best of My Love

Best of My Love [intermediate] digital sheet music. Contains printable sheet music plus an interactive, downloadable digital sheet music file.

• Does not contain lyrics

The Arrangement Details Tab gives you detailed information about this particular arrangement of Best of My Love [intermediate] - not necessarily the song.

Not the arrangement you were looking for view all arrangements, the song details tab gives you detailed information about this song, best of my love [intermediate], the related products tab shows you other products that you may also like, if you like best of my love [intermediate], there are no reviews written for best of my love [intermediate]. in order to write a review on digital sheet music you must first have purchased the item..

• Print Your Sheet Music
• Get Support
• Affiliate Program
• Terms & Privacy
• Accessibility Statement
• Musicnotes Blog
• Song Spotlight
• Signature Artists
• Sales and Promotions
• Free Sheet Music

We think your country is:

United States

Copyright © 2024 Musicnotes, Inc.

I finally understand my mother's tough love

"you and your mother are just alike," my father would tell me, by randall horton.

I remember, as if it were yesterday, sitting in an Alabama church as the Baptist preacher eulogized my grandmother. I waited patiently for tears to stream down my cheeks. They did not.

Only days before, I’d received notification my grandmother had died from one of the four roommates I shared a house with on Harvard Street in Washington, D.C. It was 1982 and I was a student at Howard University . I’d gone to the fall Homecoming concert featuring musical groups Time and Vanity 6 at Crampton Auditorium on campus. This was before cellphones, texting and other instant communication, so my mother had to call the police station in D.C., give them my address, and ask them to send a patrol car to our house where the message was relayed to me before I was about to go inside the auditorium.

I remembered being in that church — numb, unsure of how to act or respond to death. I’d been close to Grandmother. I loved her dearly; yet, I did not cry.

I wanted to display a sense of love and affection, that tenderness death exposes. I wanted Grandmother to know the crater she left inside my heart was gargantuan, unfillable. However, it is difficult to escape the lessons of supposed manhood from neighborhood cats that specialized in the art of misogynistic behavior, believed in preying on the weak, and being a real N___ was the only thing in life to aspire to. What I mean is from an early age both inside and outside the home, I was taught real men don’t cry. They bet not.

The majority of this I had learned by the tender age of eight, from pouring shots of white and red liquor in my grandmother’s shot house.

During this transformation from college student to drug seller, my mother and I had a difficult time being in the same room without arguing about my life choices.

My grandmother’s shot house was frequented by men hardened by the weatherworn elements of time, those tiny particles of memory that refuse erasure. They held it all in. There was no crying. The emotive was damn near mythological and prohibited by the innate laws that governed these men. I watched them. I learned from them. I wanted to be them.

It was an environment my mother was accustomed to as well, having come of age in that old veridian clapboard house, an experience she never wanted to talk about, especially what it was like for a young woman to be present in a place that sexualized women on the daily. Even before my grandmother died, my mother and I always had this sort of brokenness, a fractured claim to connection. It seemed like we would never find a way to bond as mother and son, or wade in an emotional state of comfort.

By the time I was in that southern church processing Grandmother's death, I’d become a participant in the national narrative of cocaine through a Cuban cartel operating out of Miami.

In the future version of Randall, there would be twin-engine planes, cigarette boats moving through Caribbean waters with fiberglass kilos headed to Miami. There would also be homelessness and prison. There would be near-death misses, near-deaths attempted. I was a lost human drifting through the corridors of consciousness. What I am trying to say is I had become immersed in a culture of drugs. At the time of my grandmother’s death I was a college student in name and appearance only.

I was straddling a wafer-thin allegorical fence: The young man my parents wanted me to be versus who I was becoming.

During this transformation from college student to drug seller, my mother and I had a difficult time being in the same room without arguing about my life choices. To be honest, I did not make it easy. I rebelled at authority. Our disagreements were intense, mainly because, in the end, I wanted her to love me in a way I could not express. So I acted out, even as an adult. Perhaps my father saw this dynamic play out more than anyone, and when I was alone and angry, he would only offer, “You and your mother are just alike.”

My mother was never easy on me. Even as a boy she demanded I be tough, that I not cry. One time when I was homeless in D.C., I called the house late one night, and while my dad wanted to talk to me, my mother told my dad to hang up the damn phone . If I am honest with myself, I know why. I needed a tough love because a conventional love wasn’t working. It would take many years to understand my mother, that the silence she lived with growing up around her mother, the things she witnessed, it all played a part in how she raised me as her son. She saw how society withered those men up and took the joy out of living before they returned to the dirt. The booze, the women of the night, the gambling, the cons, all of these factors of the living she grew up around, as did I.

The day before my mother passed, I was at home in Birmingham, Alabama.

My mother had recently suffered a mild stroke, so mild she wasn’t aware until she went to the hospital and the doctor confirmed bleeding on the brain. The prognosis seemed to be good, so I did not fly home. I came two months later on my way to a literary conference in Dallas.

Perhaps my father saw this dynamic play out more than anyone, and when I was alone and angry, he would only offer, “You and your mother are just alike.”

The night before my flight departed for Texas, I was working on my panel presentation in my father’s office downstairs when I looked up and saw my mother lingering in the doorway with the most angelic smile. At that moment, wading in my own silence, I felt the sincerest connection I’d ever shared with my mother. Her glowing face was full of innocent youth. It was as if she were a teenager, and I was meeting her for the first time. My mother proceeded to explain she’d backed the car out of the garage and back in. A simple task, but for her it was validation that she was on the road to full recovery.

When I finished my panel the next day in Dallas, I checked my cell phone only to see way too many missed calls from my brother-in-law. The sheer volume told something was wrong. My mother had suffered a severe stroke. I needed to return to Birmingham immediately.

At the hospital my dad, sister and I received the prognosis there was nothing else to do, that she would never regain consciousness.  My mother would hang between the balance of life and death for the next five days. I could only think back to our exchange in the doorway of my father's office, that moment when whatever we were battling against with each other was over. In many ways that moment told me that whatever connection we had or did not have, I was her child, and she was my mother. The only way I knew to deal with the impending loss was to visit mother every day in the hospital and read her passages from my soon-to-be published book, "Dead Weight: A Memoir in Essays."

The first essay I read was from “November 2nd and A Mother’s Love,” in which I recall my mother and I attending the Inaugural Ball in honor of President-elect Barak Obama.

I wanted my mother to know how special that moment was when we shared the first dance, dressed to the nines in formal attire in the nation’s capital. This dance came after a five-year bid inside the carceral state, after two years in a drug program, a bachelor's degree, an MFA, and a PhD. After the PhD came my first tenure track job. I was now following in the shadow of my mother, also a lifelong educator.

The second passage came from my essay, “Eleven Days.” It took my mother 57 years to reveal to me — or rather, to my wife, on a visit after our marriage — that after my premature birth in 1961, I’d been separated from my mother for 11 days, for the sole reason of race. I recount what it must have felt like for her to have a child and then not have a child. For all the reasons in the world, this revelation made sense in terms of our broken claim to connection, and why we’d been on this journey since my birth.

Though my mother could not formulate words, I could stare into her fading eyes, and as I did, I became in sync with her every breath. I’d like to think she saw the passion, the writer in me, and never imagined this to be my destiny. I uttered the most difficult words I've had to speak when I told her, "It is OK to let go." 

I cried at the foot of her bed like I’d never lived by the code that weeping is for the weak. I didn’t give a damn. Whatever it was that I could not articulate had to come out. And in the crying came the baptism, and after the baptism came a sense that our love had always been that of mother and son, and maybe in the progression of death we truly understood each other. This was my mother’s final gift to me.

At the funeral, it was assumed, that I — the writer — would say something.

I sat in that same basement study where I last saw my mother alive, and after another good cry,  the first words I wrote were: “Come celebrate with us this life of longevity, a life realized through a commitment to service and achievement, taking every inch of what this social order gives, with all its constructs and ideologies within a nation that never could have imagined the existence of the strong Black woman — who is often cloaked in a sort of invisibility.” I wanted my mother to know she was never invisible.

I returned home a motherless child.

The next morning, while working on a creative nonfiction essay on my backyard deck in North Jersey, two doves appeared on the wooden railing. It is a backyard visited by darting sparrows and dignified blue jays lingering in the skeletal tree branches of spring. Sometimes against the background of a shed and garden, cardinals flash their emblematic red wings. But never doves.

As a poet, I viewed these two birds as Grandma and Momma, the two most important women in my life, checking in on me, letting me know they are always here, there, everywhere. 

personal stories about mothers

• The parasites inside my mother were both real and spiritual
• A mother's vanishing: A secret that haunted my family for generations, hiding in plain sight
• My parents are dead—can I afford avocado toast now?

Randall Horton is the author of " {#289-128}: Poems ," which received the 2021 American Book Award; " Dead Weight: A Memoir in Essays ;" " Hook: A Memoir ," which received the Great Lakes College Association 2017 Award for Creative Nonfiction; and three additional poetry collections. The recipient of a National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship in Literature, Horton is a Cave Canem Fellow and a member of  the Affrilachian Poets , as well as the experimental performance group Heroes Are Gang Leaders, which received the 2018 American Book Award in Oral Literature. He is the co-creator of Radical Reversal , a poetry/music band dedicated to challenging systemic injustice in the American legal system through the installation of recording studios and creative/performance spaces as well as programming in Department of Correction facilities in the United States. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he now resides in New Jersey and is a Professor of English at the University of New Haven. 

Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Related articles.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

I Love Facebook. That’s Why I’m Suing Meta.

By Ethan Zuckerman

Mr. Zuckerman is an associate professor of public policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is the director of the UMass Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure.

While it’s become fashionable to dump on the aging social media platform Facebook, I quite enjoy using it. Many of my high school and college friends use it to celebrate birthdays and share news of their children and their travels. Eight years ago, I reconnected with a college housemate on the platform, and last year we got married. Thanks, Facebook.

But like many people, I wish I had more control over how Facebook delivers my friends’ updates to me. Facebook’s inscrutable feed algorithm, which is supposed to calculate which content is most likely to appeal to me and then send it my way, forgets friends I want to hear from, becomes obsessed with people to whom I’m only loosely connected and generally feels like an obstacle to how I’d like to connect with my friends.

When the British software developer Louis Barclay developed a software workaround to address this problem, I was intrigued. Mr. Barclay’s tool — a piece of software known as an extension, which can be installed in a Chrome web browser — was simple. Christened Unfollow Everything, it would automate the process of unfollowing each of my 1,800 friends, a task that manually would take hours. The result is that I would be able to experience Facebook as it once was, when it contained profiles of my friends, but without the endless updates, photos, videos and the like that Facebook’s algorithm generates. I could curate my feed by following only those friends and groups I really still want to see updates from.

As nice as this tool would be for me, I saw in it a bigger purpose: If tools like Unfollow Everything were allowed to flourish, and we could have better control over what we see on social media, these tools might create a more civic-minded internet.

There are many serious concerns about what social media is doing to us individually, and to society. Congress has passed or proposed sweeping measures, from forcing a sale of TikTok to asking platforms to ensure young users aren’t harmed by the content they experience online. These broad measures do violence to freedom of expression, and they may put even more control over what we read and view in the hands of these powerful companies. If a court finds that users have a right to choose what they experience on social media, a new path forward is possible: We can decide how social media works for us and for our children through tools we can control.

Unfortunately, Mr. Barclay was forced by Facebook to remove the software. Large social media platforms appear to be increasingly resistant to third-party tools that give users more command over their experiences. Many of them, in fact, have stopped supporting third-party tools directly.

In 2023, Reddit and Twitter effectively prevented developers from using the companies’ data portals by imposing a pricing change that makes such tools impractically expensive. Some companies go even further by threatening developers who release their tools independently. In 2021, the developer of Swipe for Facebook, an Android app intended to provide a streamlined Facebook experience, said that the platform sent him a cease and desist letter, leading him to remove the product from the Google Play store. Another app, Simple Social, was also removed from Google’s store. Platforms like Facebook no doubt are concerned that these third-party apps could block ads or sponsored content, and may also be worried about losing valuable users.

After talking with Mr. Barclay, I decided to develop a new version of Unfollow Everything. And rather than wait to see whether Meta, Facebook’s parent, would take legal action against me, I — and the lawyers at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia — asked a federal court in California last week to rule on whether users should have a right to use tools like Unfollow Everything that give them increased power over how they use social networks, particularly over algorithms that have been engineered to keep users scrolling on their sites. (Meta declined to comment for this article.)

The Stanford University scholar Francis Fukuyama and his colleagues refer to such tools as “middleware.” They make the point that a competitive market for these tools could be a more fine-grained way to improve social media than big-footed regulatory approaches. They also wrote that Congress would probably need to take action to require platforms to be more receptive to this sort of software.

My lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is dedicated to creating user-empowering middleware to forge a future where you could choose to read Facebook through a filter that de-emphasized divisive political arguments and emphasized personal updates, or to read X through a filter that checked news headlines to see if they came from reliable journalistic outlets. Our goal is to let users pick the algorithms that filter out the content they don’t want to see and select content that interests them, rather than giving this power to platforms like Facebook.

Such tools are protected under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which safeguards platforms like Facebook from direct liability for the behavior of their users and has been critical in allowing Facebook and others to build billion dollar businesses. But the remainder of the section often goes ignored. We argue that it establishes the rights of users, families and schools to self-police the content they encounter online, using technical means to block material they find objectionable. This protection should encompass tools like Unfollow Everything by anticipating the needs of users to assert control when the interests of content providers are not aligned with the interests of users.

Should the court in California rule in our favor, my lab will release Unfollow Everything 2.0 at no charge, and users will have the chance to participate in a study to examine whether their use of Facebook changes with the tool and whether they feel in more command of their experience.

A healthy internet is a balance between the intentions of the powerful companies that run it and the individuals who use it. Giving users more control is important to establishing more of an equilibrium in an online world that is increasingly out of kilter.

Ethan Zuckerman is an associate professor of public policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is the director of the UMass Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure. He is the author of “Mistrust: Why Losing Faith in Institutions Provides the Tools to Transform Them.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .