Whitlock Piano Studio
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08/25/2025
Jonah appreciation post! 📸
I’ve tried to write this for several months…but I’m historically TERRIBLE at student goodbyes and this is no exception.
Now that he’s officially moved into his dorm and his name is nowhere to be seen on my fall teaching schedule, I guess it’s time. 🥹
Jonah originally came to me as a freshman in my piano pedagogy course for teens, and soon found his way onto my weekly student roster.
Because the studio was otherwise full, we hatched an unconventional plan for Jonah to come for 1-hour lessons *before* school, starting at 6:30am.
📣Special shout-outs to his family AND mine for *all* that went into making that happen for three years (!)
…I don’t know many teenage boys who are willing to be at their piano teacher’s house at 6:30am every Tuesday morning…
After three years, he upgraded to an 8:15am lesson slot instead (and all members of the Whitlock and Smith families rejoiced). 😇
Admittedly, I feel a little ripped-off because I only got Jonah for four years…but we definitely made the most of our time together.
Helping a hard-working, servant-hearted, big-dreamer of a student like Jonah discern which of the MANY directions he could take his musical passions was pure Piano Teacher Joy.
Young musicians are *often* saddled with the choice between what they COULD pursue and what they SHOULD pursue (at an earlier age than many other folks). This will be Jonah’s plight for life.
There are many who can attest to Jonah’s musical giftings, but I feel especially fortunate to have witnessed it all on such a granular level.
Jonah is also my first student who was simultaneously my colleague AND my pupil. We talked about teaching almost as much as we talked about performing. He built a nice reputation as a young teacher in the area, hosting lovely recitals and entering students in local events. 🎶
One thing is certain: My Tuesday mornings will never be the same.
There is still much for him to learn, but I know he is ready to take it on. Best wishes as classes start this week at Taylor! 💟
…it’s never lost on me that I get to spend my week with the SWEETEST kids around. 🥰
As we celebrate those we love today, I want to thank all my students (including the adults and virtual students not pictured!) along with their families for making WPS what it is. 🤍
We are all in this together!
Today’s the day! ☄️
Around this time last year, I started dreaming up how fun it would be to hold a recital in the Planetarium to celebrate Will and his brave cancer journey.
(He was always a good sport about coming to recitals to cheer on big bro, Hunter)
…as a lover of all things space, I knew he would get a kick out of it.
Turns out, the vision had to change. Tonight, instead, we are raising money to help Will’s family do incredible things through his Memorial Foundation.
I am beyond grateful to the Charles W. Brown Planetarium for allowing us to rent the facility for this evening, as well as the Flannery family for helping me bring this dream to fruition.
No videos are permitted in the space tonight, which means 152 of us will share an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience together. 🌟
28 of my students have been working hard to bring music of the stars, night, and sky to life.
Our “title track” for the evening refers to the Coldplay song, A Sky Full of Stars…Will’s favorite song. 🌌
(Played by 🙋♀️, somewhat as arranged by Francesco Parrino)
Tickets are currently sold out, but if you would like to be contacted with any last-minute availabilities, please let me know.
If you are interested in donating to the William Flannery Memoral Scholarship fund, you can do so here ♥️
https://christinawhitlock.com/stars
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Muncie, IN
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