Meet the Pianist

Jacqui, Kineo (center) and Saorise Farrell at 2018 studio recital

Kineo Sommers

Age: 15

Kineo’s repertoire includes LV Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Scott Joplin and contemporary composers such as Mary Leaf and Dennis Alexander. He is currently working on Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor and is also preparing duet music for 2022 MaineMTA Monster Festival which will be held at Falmouth High School on April 2nd, 2022. This is his second Monster Festival he has participated in.

1. How long have you played the piano?

8 Years

2. What are the greatest challenges in your piano study?

Sitting down at the piano every day and getting a good practice in. It can be really hard, especially when starting a new piece (the feeling of not getting anywhere right away)

3. What is your favorite part of your piano study?

The satisfaction of being able to play and perform a complex piece.

4. Do you enjoy performing?  /What do you get out of performing?

I do not like to perform in front of large crowds. It feels like they are all focused on me and my playing and it puts a lot of pressure on me. I will usually try and get out of performances but when I do perform, the feeling of success afterwards is very rewarding.



5. How often do you practice?  What is your practice routine?

I will usually practice 40-45 minutes a day without distractions. Before a recital I will spend 1-2 hours a day practicing until I make no mistakes. Sometimes I have to sit and focus on a small but very difficult section by playing it over and over to make sure I have it down.

6. What kind of music do you listen to?  Who are your favorite artists/composers?

It’s funny, I have a really good ear for music (can play back what I hear) but I don’t actually listen to much music at home. I listen to other pianists play in the studio and at school. I enjoy playing music by composers that is fast and flashy.

7. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to study the piano?

Start practicing now and don’t stop!! If you practice more when you are young, it will be easier to practice as you get older and your pieces get harder.

8. What are some other likes and dislikes you have.  Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I like to do puzzles, ski and build sets for school plays. I live on an island and work there in the summer. I used to swim on a team.

Jacqui and Kineo Spring 2021 Kineo his first year in lessons

Sonatina Op. 13, No 1, Allegro assai by Dmitri Kabalevsky

Halloween Mini Recital Series, Fall 2021