Wildcat Inbox

Tribute to Piano Teachers

Dear Wildcat,

I was delighted to read the recent article featuring Dr. Yu-Jane Yang and WSU’s piano program. I graduated from WSU in 2002, and though I was pre-med, I loved playing piano.

Carol Hurst, a WSU supporter alongside her husband Dean, was my teacher from the time I was in junior high through my years at Weber and into med school. Although I loved school, many other aspects of my life felt chaotic. Along with teaching me to play piano, Carol made me feel loved, that there was good and beauty in the world and that there could be a space in it for me. Along with two other students, I played at a recital she put together at the Eccles Community Art Center. She took me to local musical performances. She wrote me a letter of support when I was nominated for a Crystal Crest Award. When I graduated from WSU, she gave me a beautiful tapestry piano overnight bag. After starting medical school, it was difficult to find time for lessons. Still, Carol allowed me to call on her periodically. Then, devastatingly, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent grueling treatment. I gave her a colorful glass heart pendant, and she told me she wore it to her appointments. I often visited her and Dean at their home during her treatment, even if it was to watch Jeopardy rather than for a piano lesson. I was heartbroken when she died, and I know so many others were as well.

Later, when I worked as an internist and hospitalist at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Dr. Yang generously agreed to take me on as a student. Her style was very different. She was so scientific, which appealed to me. She even measured the distance from my elbows to the keyboard and provided a lift I would put on the piano bench each lesson for the proper angle. She took me with her to Schulzback-Rosenberg for an amazing summer week of piano in Bavaria, Germany, to play for a master class and to learn. I think I was the only medical student in the company of concert pianists, something I definitely was not. Dr. Yang was ahead of the world with online teaching. Summering in Taiwan, except for occasions like the festival mentioned above, she adopted technology that allowed for remote lessons. This past summer, we met for a lesson using Zoom. She explains and teaches in a way that is, for me, so difficult but truly effective. Sadly, I have had a critical illness, which required brain surgery, and other life circumstances have made regular lessons and practice a challenge. However, I still do it as often as I can and find it stimulating, healing and beautiful.

I work part-time at an inner-city clinic. My patients face dire circumstances, and my work can be draining. I’m thankful I have the ability to play the piano, to remember my experiences with these teachers — women of talent, kindness, strength — and for the gift of music they offered me. Thank you.

— Melissa Bentley BS ’02

Message from Stewart Library

Did you know your WSU library card unlocks a world of opportunities Alumni can still borrow books from Stewart Library and access online resources from our community computers on the first floor. You can also get research help in person or via chat, email and phone. The library supports lifelong learning with lectures, exhibits and other events. It is easier than ever to get to the library via the free OGX bus that comes to the center of campus. Don’t miss our special exhibits this winter of the Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City and jazz musician Red Nichols.

Interested in expanded services, like free interlibrary loans and event invitations? Consider joining the Friends of the Stewart Library to support your alma mater’s intellectual hub. Your participation supports our mission and enhances your connection to the university and its resources.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the library!

— Erich Goeckeritz, Stewart Library administrative associate