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12/20/2021 0 Comments

The Greatest Gift

1972 - 1973

I was in seventh grade. I had played the flute for two years and was an
average musician. There was a brief two-month period of playing the
trumpet in which I held the instrument during rehearsals and didn't play a note!

Then through some very bizarre circumstances, I began playing the
French horn. It was my instrument, and I excelled with it. I knew for a
fact that my life would be devoted to music.

1984 – 1985

I was living in New Jersey and teaching instrumental music in private
Catholic Schools and realized that group instruction was not my forte.

Then through some very bizarre circumstances, I began teaching music
privately. It was my passion, and I excelled at it. Even though I have
done some other things musically, I have consistently and thoroughly
enjoyed teaching thousands of private music students.

2020 – 2021

I entered into my sixties and was teaching 60 private music students.
I was content and settled.

Then through some very bizarre circumstances brought on by the
pandemic, I began to put feet to my long-time dream of owning a music
teaching studio.
Thus, KDF Music Connections took flight.

2022

KDF Music Connections will be opening the doors!
We will teach many
instruments and medians to beginners to experienced musicians at any
age. For some people, like me, music will become a life-long passion.
For the majority, studying music or art will be an activity that will bring
joy and help them through the struggles of daily life.

Wherever the path will take you, let KDF Music Connections guide you
all the way! Call 833-2KDF2DAY to start your new year in a new way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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12/7/2021 1 Comment

Guest blog by Dwayne Motley

My first memory of music that made an impact was when I was 7 years old. I saw Purple Rain on HBO and was forever changed. I saw Prince on that stage with his guitar commanding the crowd, singing, dancing, shredding...he was a god!! I wanted to be him, boots, tight pants, ruffled shirts and all. I immediately asked for a guitar. So, my parents bought me an acoustic guitar...and never got me lessons...just an expensive toy. I tried to teach myself. Let's just say it didn't go well. A few Christmases later, my parents gifted me an electric guitar and yet again no lessons. I played the snare drum (yes, just one drum) in elementary school for a year. I got a Casio keyboard and even asked my Mom to teach me to play piano. She shooed me away. She didn't seem interested, so I gave up on it. It just wasn't in the cards for me.

For a long time I've loved music and desired to play. It always seemed unattainable, a wish, a dream. When I would listen to music and hear a piano solo, I would quietly wish that I knew how to play it. My love for the piano grew over the years, but learning how to play still seemed a foregin concept.

On my 41st birthday, I was recovering from a torn bicep surgery as my wife and mother-in-law gave me presents. I opened a gold wrapped box and inside was a letter. As I read it, I was so overcome with emotion that tears poured from my eyes. My wife gave me the gift of music: money for lessons, music flashcards, and special stickers to help me learn the notes. As if that wasn’t enough, my mother-in-law gifted me her acoustic piano from her own home to practice on.

I couldn’t believe it! It wasn’t something I asked for. I was completely shocked. I had no idea how much I needed this and how it would set my life in a new direction. Since that day, piano has been my everything. I signed up for lessons with Michele Roberts at the local music store and I haven’t looked back. Determined to savor this opportunity, I study music theory on my train ride to work, drill my music flash cards during my lunch break, and listen to music history podcasts. I practice on my piano daily, polish it weekly and tune it annually. Over time, my puppy-love for the piano deepened into a passionate, soulful connection.

Then, the world turned upside down. Fear and confusion infused society, blaring on TVs in homes everywhere. I lost my restaurant and everything I was building. I didn’t have much to look forward to, but in all that darkness I always had music and it was my refuge. My piano allowed me to dream of a life outside of the restaurant industry. Where I can be home more for my family. Maybe I’d improve enough to teach someone else to play. I dreamed of giving someone else the joy that music gives me. It’s funny because I never thought I’d be here teaching piano, but I gotta be honest...I’m loving this journey! I’m eternally grateful to my wife and mother-in-law for igniting a fire in me that now illuminates the musical path for others. It's never too late to start lessons and you can do that at KDF Music Connections.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go practice …

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Kay Darby Finch has been teaching music since moving to Southern Maryland in 1985. Her passion is working one-on-one with students of all ages. In addition to private teaching, Kay has led several church music ministries and owned a St. Mary’s County music store with her late husband, Harry Darby.

KDF Music Connections is a long-standing dream of Kay’s. She desires to create a beautiful atmosphere where many teachers and students can come together and experience the joy of music and the arts.

YOUR CART

Musically Yours, Kay

The Greatest Gift

Guest blog by Dwayne Motley

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