Renowned pianist to perform in Shoreline

Concert pianist Spencer Myer will perform in Shoreline on Friday evening, October 10, beginning at 7:30pm at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church, located at 1512 NW 195th St. in Shoreline. 

Tickets are $20 at the door and will benefit the Edmonds and Shoreline Schools Music4Life™ programs.

“This will be a rare opportunity to hear this fine musician,” says Shoreline resident and concert co-organizer Lee Craig. “His performance will feature works by Schumann, Scarlatti and Bolcom.” He will be available to sign C-Ds after the concert.

Myer’s orchestral, recital and chamber music performances have been heard throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia. He received his Doctor of Music Arts in 2005 from Stoney Brook University and is a graduate of The Julliard School in New York City.

In 2004, Myer captured First Prize in the 10th UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa, as well as special prizes for the best performances of Bach. He is also the Gold Medalist of the 2008 New Orleans International Piano Competition, and a laureate in the 2007 William Kapell, 2005 Cleveland, 2005 Busoni and 2004 Montréal International Piano Competitions, among numerous others. An enthusiastic supporter of the education of young musicians, Myer has been a frequent guest artist at workshops for students and teachers.

“I recently learned about Music4Life and was just so taken with it that I decided to try to help out more,” Myer says. “Instrumental music certainly is not for every child. But for those who do choose to participate, it is often a life-changing experience because it gives them something meaningful to do with their time and creates a love of music that lasts a lifetime.”

“This is a concert for both adults and children,” says Chelsea Tripp, the other co-organizer for the concert. “Any adults who happen to have musical instruments they’re no longer using can bring them to donate to the Music4Life program. We’re off to a great start in acquiring musical instruments that can be used by students of low income families.”

The Edmonds and Shoreline Schools programs acquire used musical instruments from adults who no longer use them, get them fully repaired and provide them to Edmonds and Shoreline Schools for use primarily by students from low income families. Music4Life also operates other programs for Seattle and Highline Public Schools.

Music4Life is a community-wide activity, Craig and Tripp say. “We’re very glad to have the support of anyone who understands the immense value of instrumental music in a child’s life.” Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling has written a letter supporting the program. Last year the entire Shoreline City Council released a letter endorsing it, as well.

Used musical instruments should be accompanied by a donor form available on the group’s website and can be dropped-off at any Kennelly Keys Music store or at any of several conveniently located sites throughout Edmonds and Shoreline. Visa, MasterCard, DiscoverCard and American Express donations that help take care of musical repairs and supplies can be made online.

Music4Life™ acquires musical instruments and supplies for young musicians from financially challenged families in Edmonds and Shoreline Public Schools. Music4Life is a community-wide activity. For more information or to donate an instrument, contact David Endicott at 206-409-3275 or go to the website. Instrument donation forms are available online, as well as at designated instrument drop-off sites.