I have an outstanding piano student I would like you to meet. This is Tia Harrington. She is almost 13 years old (in December). She has been taking piano lessons from me for five years.

What an absolute joy it is to teach Tia! She is among a rare breed of students who is very musically gifted and driven to strive for perfection. Those two qualities--talent and drive--spell success at the piano. Tia's mother Debbie says that Tia is totally self-motivated. When Tia performs under pressure at recitals, she practices many, many hours to make her pieces flawless and expressive.

Tia does a variety of things well. She is an "A" student at West Jordan Middle School. She is an outstanding athlete. Best of all, she is a sweet, kind, and fun-loving girl. I look forward every Monday evening to teaching her.

Credit for Tia's success also goes to her mom. Debbie drives from her West Jordan home, most of the time through heavy traffic, to get Tia to lessons. Debbie has a very structured environment for her children, which helps Tia into a steady routine for practicing the piano.

When a teacher comes across a student like Tia, the profession of teaching becomes truly a wonderful opportunity!