His mother was shocked and then amazed as
his musical ability developed at an amazing rate. She enrolled him
in a toddler music class and from there he quickly advanced to a
professional teacher in the small town where they lived.
Charlie loved music and playing the
piano more than anything else. Soon after he started high school, he
was at the piano when his mother called, “Charlie, John's at the
door. He says he needs you to fill out their baseball team.”
Charlie answered, “Sorry, Mom. But
I've got this new piece I promised Mr. Taylor I'd master by my next
lesson.”
Charlie's dad frowned when he heard
this. “Charlie, it's Saturday morning, you should go out and play
with your friends. Get some fresh air. The piano will still be here
after the game.”
“But Dad, I'd really rather do this.
Mr. Taylor says I might have a chance at becoming a student of
Professor Wallowitz.”
Mr. Dawson threw up his hands. “I
give up. If that's what you want to do, that's what you want to do.”
Mrs. Dawson said, “You've been
talking about this Professor ever since he played at the Christmas
concert.”
“Mom, he's world famous and he only
takes three new students a year. I want to be one of them.”
His parents sighed, but felt as long
as his school grades were OK they couldn't interfere.
At the end of his freshman year in high
school, he rushed into the house dropping his book bag on the floor.
“Mom, Dad! Great news! I've got an
audition with Prof. Wallowitz.”
Mrs. Dawson said, “Charlie, pick up
your books. But that's wonderful, I know how hard you've worked for
this opportunity.”
As he picked up his books, he
explained. “He's going to be in town this weekend and Mr. Taylor
told him about me and he agreed to hear me play. Gosh, I'm so
nervous. I've just got to do well.”
Charlie practiced every spare minute
he had until time to meet Prof. Wallowitz where he was rehearsing for
his concert.
To calm himself, Charlie practiced the
deep breathing exercises Mr. Taylor had taught him. Although his
teacher had also said that a little nervousness was good, it gave you
an edge.
He played the difficult piece he had
chosen perfectly. When the final chord died away, he waited
expectantly. The professor listened intently, silently nodding his
head. Then he said in a causal voice, “Not enough passion.”
Charlie was crushed. He had played
his heart out and it wasn't good enough. He never touched a piano
again. He was a resilient young man and eventually realized he had
other talents. He put the same dedication he once had to the piano,
to his new love, the law. He became an excellent trial lawyer and
was known for his meticulous preparation.
Although he stopped going to concerts,
his firm was sponsoring a charity concert and he felt obligated to
go. He hadn't paid attention to the program and was surprised when
he saw and heard his former nemesis, Professor Wallowitz. After
wards as one of the sponsors, he went backstage to meet the great
performer.
He introduced himself and added, “Many
years ago I auditioned for you and you said I didn't 'have enough
passion. What did you mean?”
The old man laughed and said, “Oh, I
say that to everyone.”
Charlie was stunned, “But I gave up
the piano because of you. I could have been a great performer.”
The professor shook his head, “Not
really. If you were going to be a great musician, you would have
done so, no matter what I had said.”
The End
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