From the participants' anonymous evaluations of The Balanced Pianist 2008

"I loved that the program addressed both technical and personal aspects of one's development as a pianist. The individual attention was phenomenal."

"It is a wonderfully supportive atmosphere -- I was pleased to experience the different kinds of musicians -- from conservatory products, graduate students in music, plus the people like me with relatively little formal training."

"The lessons were very inspiring, informative, and I began to clarify so much about my playing."

"The clinics [healthy computer use, blocking, shaping, the torso in piano playing, teaching children] were great, but I wish they would not have all been on the same day so I could have gone to more of them!"

"The mealtime mindset discussions were always insightful."

"As always, Judy [Aston-Patterning] is a font of knowledge."

"The presentation of the opening talk and exercises was excellent. I think people took it to heart, as some incredible changes were evidenced by the end of the week."

"Yes, [the program met my expectationsI, I had hoped for a while to find a smaller, less "glitzy" program that would cater to my specific needs as a person struggling with physical and mental challenges at the piano.

"I wasn't made to feel like I was "serving" the program... I loved the high-level social interconnectedness this program fostered and encouraged with every participant. I loved seeing everyone grow so much in a concentrated time span."

"Lessons were marvelous. Terry is wonderfully sensitive to both my mental and physical journeys."

"The program met my expectations -- it helped me find my proper alignment so I can play without pain."

"Terry -- your incredible attention to detail has rubbed off on me and now I constantly watch myself and others. Thank you.

"Susan -- thank you for your patience. You truly are the best teacher I have ever had. Just being able to watch your hands is an honor. I have learned so much from you. I hope you realize how much you have done for me."

"I'm grateful to have such an inspiring opportunity to advance my playing, and to hear the wonderful music the others play."

"The program absolutely met my expectations. I wanted to hear other pianists as they received their lessons, thus supplementing my own. Clinics were also very rewarding as they focused on specific topics."

"I feel like I've become much more aware of my body. I have so much information -- I can't wait to see how I feel in a month after these things have had a chance to 'sink in' in my practicing.."

"As usual, the teaching and other activities were terrific."

"The mealtime mindset discussions were helpful for identifying and be able to relate to other people's perfectionism."

"This was a very helpful experience. See you next year I hope!"

"You both are amazing. I can't believe what you can give in five days"

"This was an inspiring, well-organized workshop. The people were wonderful!"

"The program helped me grow both in helping my mental thoughts become more constructive and in giving me practical tools to free my hands."

" Judy, Susan, and Terry -- Thank you so much. I can't say more or I'll start to cry (again!) and my tissue supply is running low. Also I'm on the plane and I'm afraid the man next to me will ring for the attendant!"

"Thank you, Terry and Susan, for your superb teaching, and your never-failing kindness and support."

"The evening performance class helped me come to grips with my own anxieties."

"The partner groups are probably the best way to help us learn."