Acclaim

Mr. Law-

There's honestly no way I could thank you enough for everything these past seven an a half years of having you as my teacher.  I'm so incredibly grateful for every opportunity and door that has opened for me the thanks to you, and I wouldn't be the musician or the very person I am without your unwavering support in my growth.

Seldom has there been a week where I haven't looked forward to having my cello lesson-the studio has always been a space where I could forget the world for an hour each week and just focus on growing in my passion for music.

All this to say, I'm going to forever be grateful for our time together, and I couldn't have asked for a better cello teacher to take me to where I am.

For everything, thank you.

Dear Mr. Ken,

As you know, I’m going off to college really soon and I just wanted to thank you for everything you have taught and shared with me over the past six years. I remember the first big piece I played with you was the Bach prelude in G major for my cousin's wedding. I was terrified because I was pretty new playing the cello, but your patience and skillful teaching allowed me to pull it together (and at the time I thought I crushed it). The way you view and imagine music and the story behind the melodies is absolutely amazing and inspiring. One of my favorite parts about my lessons was when we would play duets if we had extra time (even when I hated reading). I can now appreciate and respect how you always challenged me to play a piece faster or in a higher position. I will miss your musical guidance, of course, your fun travel and performance stories, and how you can relate a piece of music to various movies and musicals (e.g. tarantella=Man of La Mancha).

It has been an honor and a joy to be your student and see how my abilities as a cellist of grown. Your kindness and hard work have not gone unnoticed. I promise to keep practicing...

It’s around 7:00 PM on a bitterly cold Monday as I stumble into the warm embrace of the studio. The 30 minute drive was filled with brake lights, potholes, and a severe case of the Monday blues. I enter with dry hands, weary eyes, and a defeated walk. When I exit an hour later, a remarkable transformation has occurred. There is an energy in my appearance and spirit. The cause of this about face is clear and undeniable. The contagious passion of my Cello teacher Mr. Ken Law, affects me deeply each week. His commitment to the instrument is unmatched and admirable, leaving me consistently renewed as I leave for home every Monday night.

It all began in eighth grade. My previous instructor was moving away and recommended me to Mr. Law. Initially, I was tentative and quiet during our lessons. As time went on, his unyielding kindness and commitment to my improvement as a cellist caused my shy personality to dissolve in his presence. Steadily improved both technically and musically. Challenging assignments were paired with anticipatory grins. I practice vigorously to meet his high expectations. Missed notes and botched rhythms were met with constructive criticism and encouraging comments. Each week presented new roadblocks, but I consistently and persistently improved with his guidance.

My musical accomplishments can be attributed to the immeasurable impact Mr. Law teachings have had on me. his influence on me as a cellist is directly apparent, yet his impact on me expand much further than the realm of music. His kindness is uplifting. His attentiveness to others is inspiring. Above all, his purpose and passion are qualities I admire and strive to replicate as I enter adulthood. my time with Mr. Law may come to an end in June, but his influence will persist much longer than that.

"Mr. Law is both an amazing musician and teacher who really cares about his students and goes the extra mile to help them be successful in reaching their goals, whether they are playing for pure enjoyment or planning to pursue cello as a career. He has a strong working relationship with cello professors at several universities and was instrumental in helping my daughter network and fully show off her musical abilities before and during auditions, which resulted in scholarship offers, including her 4-year full tuition award at WVU."