If you have a spare 12 minutes this morning, I really suggest you press play on this video and start your day off with a massive dose of inspiration.
This video tells the story of Alice Hertz-Sommer, the oldest living pianist… and the oldest living Holocaust survivor. Not only did her piano playing save her life during World War II, but it has continued to be a source of joy, of healing, of love and of inspiration in her life and to all those who know her.
So the next time you are annoyed, frustrated, uninspired or just plain tired, remember this video and consider the fact that you too could be influencing the next 109 year old pianist. (And that’s no joke… over half of the children born after the year 2000 are expected to live beyond the age of 100.) The effect we are having on our piano students can be mind-bogglingly long-lasting.
My favourite quote taken from the documentary on this wonderful woman is “I have lived through many wars and have lost everything many times — including my husband, my mother and my beloved son, yet, life is beautiful, and I have so much to learn and enjoy. I have no space nor time for pessimism and hate.” It is beautifully clear that a life full of piano music contributed to her admirable outlook.
We too have a life full of piano – can we say the same? It’s worth a good thought and one I will take with me forever after “meeting” Alice.
Melissa says
Thank you for posting about Alice! I’ve been telling my students they should see The Lady in Number 6. I have her address and we are mailing her letters and birthday cards for her 110th birthday coming up! What an amazing lady she is!
Donna says
Hello Melissa!
What a wonderful, wonderful idea!!! Might you be willing to share that address with me? I’d like to get my students to send her birthday wishes as well.
Thank you,
Donna Ngai
Jennifer Foxx says
Me too Melissa!!!
Wendy says
“When the music starts it goes straight to your soul” I love that! Completely inspired, I’m not teaching tonight because of Halloween so with my spare time today I intend to play what I want to play instead of what I need to prepare for lessons. Thanks for sharing this and have a great day.
Kimberly Wright says
Oh, thank you so much for sharing! Very inspiring! Music is a beautiful gift from God! What a blessing it is to be able to use this gift to show our love and gratitude to our Creator, who alone gives us hope through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Nancy Riesgo says
Thank-you. She is truly inspiring. To read more about her, find a copy of Alice’s Piano in your library, a wonderful story of her life.
Donna says
Yes! This is a very beautiful story. Thank you for posting this!
Diann Ruesch says
That was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!
Alicia says
Sorry to be ignorant, what is the piece of music beginning at 2:56?
Barbara says
Thank you…beautiful, inspiring, and just what I needed tonight!