Fluttering fingers and white and black keys were all to be seen as sophomore Megan Grauer practiced ‘Tara’s Theme’ from Gone with the Wind on the piano in her family’s formal living room.

“It is very easy to play, once you get past a certain level,” Megan said.

Megan started playing the piano at her teacher, Connie Sorter’s house, almost 8 years ago.

“In first grade, I told my parents that I wanted to play [piano]. A few days later, they went out and got an electric keyboard for me to mess around with,” Megan said.

Megan takes lessons every Monday night from 8-9 p.m. at Sorter’s house. She also has to practice for 30 minutes every day. 

“I’m assigned a song that I have to play three times through for 5 days, but sometime I miss a day here or there. If I skip, I just have to practice 30 extra minutes the next day,” Megan said.

Megan’s mom, Shar Grauer, says that Megan has come a long way since she first started to play.

“Megan can pretty much pick up a piece of music and start playing it right away now. If it is a more difficult piece, it takes her a couple of days to pick it up, but she puts her best effort into learning a new song,” said Shar.

Although it takes up time, Megan said there are some advantages to playing the piano.

“Learning a hard song is really gratifying. It gives me a sense of accomplishment,” Megan said.

Shar is really proud of Megan and loves to listen to her daughter play.

“Megan has been playing the piano for 8 years and not once asked to quit. She does the bare minimum when she practices, but she is very talented,” Shar said. “I think each piece [Megan plays] is special but my favorite song to hear her play is ‘Amazing Grace.’”

When recitals roll around each October, Megan’s nerves set in. Her piano teacher always knows how to fix the problem.

“Mrs. Sorter makes us play for the next student coming in for a lesson to get ready for our recital. One year, it took me 20 minutes to get through a song because I kept messing up,” Megan said.

Even though the practicing can be a pain and the recitals can be nerve-wracking, Megan has some advice for aspiring musicians.

“Make sure you practice, practice, practice. Put your best effort into whatever instrument you play. Don’t give up. And always have fun,” Megan said.