Macy McClain, a Cedarville University junior worship major, may not read musical notes the same way as other students, but in one way, her performance on the piano is particularly noteworthy.
Macy McClain of Bellefontaine, a Cedarville University junior worship major, practices the piano under the guidance of Chuck Clevenger, senior professor of music. (PHOTO | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY)
The Bellefontaine resident, who has been blind since birth, gave her first public performance at a general recital in December at Cedarville’s Bolthouse Center for Music, playing Bach’s two-part invention in B-flat major.
McClain has been playing piano for several years, mostly learning the keyboard. During the fall semester, she wanted to grow her abilities and decided to take piano lessons with Dr. Chuck Clevenger, senior professor of music.
“Macy encouraged me to teach her like every other student, and I did,” said Clevenger, who taught piano to another blind student several years ago. “She’s a quick study and has such a positive attitude about learning. Teaching Macy made me stop and ask myself fundamental questions about how I taught piano to all my students. Through teaching her, I became a better professor.”
“Dr. Clevenger is fantastic, not just as a pianist and professor, but as a person. He was very patient with me — a perfectionist in my own right,” McClain said. “He pushed me, without giving me limitations and setting low expectations. He holds the same standard for everyone, even if people are at different levels. He talked a lot about sound, which is actually something I can pick up on, but he did not neglect the technical aspects of piano playing. He’s the best piano teacher I’ve ever had.”
Read complete story in Monday’s Examiner.
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