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Wow! What an event! Robert Vandall visited us, and it really was a treat. On Monday morning, I picked Robert up from his hotel and brought him to the store. As I was questioning him regarding things that he needed for his presentation, he really was enthusiastic about what he does: sharing his knowledge as a teacher and composer with other piano teachers. This was one stop along the way from Chicago to New Mexico. Putting down his backpack as he entered the room, Robert prepared for the day's event.
People started filing in a little before 8:45 a.m., and there were teachers who came from as far away as Pella and Des Moines to hear Mr. Vandall! That was truly inspiring. After all were seated, Robert played a couple chords, and then he was off-and-running. He discussed his background as a piano teacher himself, teaching with his wife, and how many students he currently teaches. He takes 1 month out of the year to travel the clinic circuit, and we got to be one of his stops! Robert covered songs in the Premier Piano Course to start. Book 5 has just been released, so he played a few songs with that. Did you know, if you asked Gail or Dennis about who wrote what in the book, neither one could say? It really was a collaborative effort. They sent their ideas to EL Lancaster, who did editing and sent it back to them. It was great to hear how they worked on putting the book together. The Celebrated Jazzy Solos are his most recent publication, and Robert took time to cover these songs as well. He writes songs that kids will like to play, and that desire really comes through in the music. It was fun to hear him sound just like a kid, as well when he claimed that he likes to play fast, too! Regarding his music, Robert took some time to discuss how he composes, whether for Alfred or a commissioned piece for an organization; what he likes to know, structure and format; and what gives him a clear idea of what do or where to go with the music. He shared a couple stories with us on how certain pieces came about. One story I remember is this one: he and his wife were ill, but he had an idea in his head. It was late at night, but he needed to write it down. So he jotted down the melody quickly before he forgot. I believe this translated into his duet "Waltz for Two," which was a lovely piece. If you're in the store, please check it out! At 12:30, we wrapped up, and Robert stayed and chatted with the teachers, answering questions and sharing stories. I then drove him to the airport. On the way, Robert discussed his love of composing and doing these clinics. He also mentioned that as soon as he's done teaching, he'll stop doing the clinics. He understands that, as a teacher, it gives him an understanding and a level of identifying with other teachers. He can relate to his audience, and they can relate to him. And it works. Robert is slowly reducing his student roster, but still has quite a few. I feel lucky to have met him, and I hope that we’ll meet again somewhere down the road!
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