They're startled to realize how precise music theory can be. Just getting into MIT takes so much work and dedication, and I see that in their approach to music. It's always inspired me, when I'm struggling, to find time to practice myself, to see them practicing and coming in for lessons even with their heavy course loads. I'm thrilled that they pursue music while struggling with finals and everything else because it's obviously out of a real love. Normally it's 12-15 students in the piano labs which have a piano in a soundproof cubicle.
Students sign up for an hour-long lab when they come in and work on assignments.
I go around to the five labs and work with each student during the hour. At this time, I also have five private students. Usually I start teaching around 2 or 3pm and often go until 7 or 8pm. Then I eat dinner way too late and go to bed way too late and struggle to get up earlier the next morning. When I was told that I'd won, I was completely out of my mind and didn't know what was happening.