From the first time I saw an accordion I was fascinated and wanted to play.  Unfortunately at the time I was only 3 years old but years later I came back to that experience and this time I was lucky enough to have found a teacher and accordion home that I would cherish for a lifetime. 

Music lessons started at the age of 9 in a room off the Jerry Flint Dance Studio. Within the first year I had advanced to lessons at the main studio, and was entered into my first competition in the Indiana Accordion Association's state contest, playing "Waltz Allegro" and walked away with first place!  To this day, whenever I'm in Indianapolis I think of that competition, the middle of the night "fire alarm" and the beginning of what turned out to be many years of lessons, teaching, competitions and pride in being a member of the Gene Van Accordion Symphony.

Gene's influence on my life and my successes are repeated many times over as evidenced by the successes of many of his students. He provided much more than musical instruction on the accordion. He had the ability to instill desire and motivation in his students, to excel and be the best. This carried over into my professional career as well as that of many of his students. I respected his methodology in motivating based on his belief that you could do it, fear never entered into the picture. He was also demanding, but that's part of the discipline he insisted on. He was able to create a healthy level of competition and in so doing created an exceptional team. Recently I listened to a 30-year-old recording of the Pathetique performed by the symphony. It brought back wonderful memories, but more than that it was the amazement at the quality of play I was listening to. Gene motivated a group of kids to play complex pieces exceptionally well. What a credit to his abilities as a musician and life teacher. I remember the feeling of accomplishment during those performances and I remember the smile on his face upon completion of a performance well done.

Discipline, consistency, quality, confidence, teamwork and proper preparation were all part of the learning process from Gene. All of those tools are put to good use in my own business today and continue to serve me well in preparing to play concerts again. I am forever grateful for the education and experience that Gene Van provided in my life. Today I enjoy the memories from the past and realize the precious gift we've been given to play with this wonderful conductor, arranger as well as musicians who remain such a part of my life. In addition, I feel a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for Gene's friendship, his respect and for being a part of the Gene Van Accordion Family.
 

 

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