PPP154: Don't say, "I can't." Say, "I'll try." with Dr. Ruth Pitts

05Aug 2019 by Shelly Davis

Ruth Pitts is currently the president of Waco Music Teachers Association. She has a B.M.Ed degree from Baylor University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. She has just recently retired from McLennan Community College in Waco, where she taught music theory, music literature and piano for over 40 years. She still has a studio of over 30 piano students, and she counts it a joy and a blessing to be able to share her love of music with students every day.

Dr. Pitts has served in all of the offices of Texas Music Teachers Association and was on the board of Music Teachers National Association for two terms and has received both the Texas Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association “Teacher of the Year” awards. Ruth is the wife of Dr. Bill Pitts, Professor Emeritus of Religion at Baylor University, and the mother of two sons and the grandmother of two girls and two boys.

Listen to the full episode here

Tell us your piano story.

Because I was born with a total of only 5 fingers my parents did not think I could learn to play the piano.

However, when I was finishing the third grade, the teacher called to tell my parents how much they had enjoyed my piano performances every Friday at their talent shows. My parents were amazed and decided if I were going to play the piano anyway, they needed to find a teacher for me. Mrs. Eloise Patton was happy to teach me and I loved her and learned so much from her!

She told my parents that all she had to tell me was that she thought the piece was probably too hard for me, and that I would then go home and practice until I got it so that I could prove her wrong. I have always loved a challenge.

My dad was a minister, and I was always very involved in church. I originally thought that I would be a medical missionary, but when I came to Baylor I soon became so involved in all the music activities that I realized I just had to major in music and I learned that I could share God’s love through music wherever I was.

Were you a good student?

Yes, I was a good student. I loved playing the piano and singing, and practicing and performing were pure joy. Soon I was able to play for Sunday School and church and school parties.

What were some of your favorite songs you learned to play as a young student?

I don’t remember many names specifically. I know that the first year or two I enjoyed a piece called “Starlight Waltz” and an arrangement of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” A couple of years later I loved playing Paderewski’s “Minuet in G” and Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”

What is one thing you often say to your piano students?

I tell them that they can never say “can’t”; they must say, “I will try.”

Tell us about the parents in your studio who are the most helpful for their children. How do they help them or work with them?

All of my parents are great encouragers to their children. Some of them are able to come to lessons and hear the suggestions I make. I find this is very helpful, particularly with the very young students.

My parents are wonderful about bringing the students to all the many activities in which I involve the students–music theory classes and tests, World of Music classes and tests, recitals, Sacred Music Festivals, fall and spring festivals, National Guild Piano Auditions, etc.

You mentioned that you were born with five fingers, total. Could you tell us more about that part of your story?

I was born with two fingers on my left hand, two on my right, my left leg was doubled back at the knee and I had only a stump on my right leg.

When I was just a year old the doctors separated a very large finger on my right hand so that I would have three fingers. They did not know that they were doing that so I could play triads!

I cannot explain exactly how I play. I know that I do use my wrist on my left hand occasionally, but somehow God gave me a strong desire to want to play and a good ear to be able to hear what was the most essential in a piece of music (of course I have to omit some of the notes).

I really don’t feel like I have overcome anything; I just do what I hear and what I can to make beautiful music.

If you could visit with any composer or musician who would you choose and why?

It would be between Beethoven and Chopin because I think their music is so wonderful. Beethoven can be so powerful and Chopin is so amazingly beautiful.

What parting words of wisdom or quote do you have for parents of new piano students?

Remember that learning to play the piano is like learning a new language. It is hard at first, and it requires a lot of “alone time.” My own two boys made faster progress when I was able to sit by them and listen or even call from the next room, “You played that really well that time.”

What is the best way for potential students to get in touch with you?

My studio is very full, but Waco Music Teachers Association has a website Waco Music Teachers Association and a parent can go there to find a teacher.

Teacher video recommendation

Enjoy this lovely performance of Ruth performing a piece by one of her favorite composers. Chopin’s “Nocturne in B-flat Minor (Opus 9, No. 1)”

Thanks for listening!

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