I know some of you look forward to my monthly newsletters and were probably wondering what happened in June. (Wink, wink.)
June was one of the biggest months of my life.
After fourteen wonderful years of teaching in Bellevue, Washington, I closed my studio, packed up an entire chapter of life, and moved across the Pacific to the Big Island of HawaiŹ»i. Between saying goodbye, packing, shipping, and settling into a new home, there simply wasn't much time left for creating content.
If you're curious, I shared a glimpse of the move, my new home, and the unexpected blessing of a beautiful new piano that has already become part of this next chapter.
But in the middle of all that, I found myself completely absorbed in the 2026 World Cup.
I've always cheered for the underdogs just as much as the world's greatest players. Watching the tournament has reminded me of three simple lessons.
1. Never underestimate the underdog.
As a teacher, I've learned that I can never predict whose life will be transformed by music. Talent certainly helps, but persistence, curiosity, and consistent effort matter far more than where someone begins.
Never underestimate what is possible.
2. Disappointment is part of the process.
As I was putting the finishing touches on this newsletter, the U.S. was eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16. As a fan, I felt that familiar disappointment.
But disappointment is not failure.
Disappointment is inevitable.
Giving up is optional.
The same is true at the piano. There will be difficult practice days, performances that don't go as planned, and seasons when progress feels painfully slow. None of that means you've failed.
It simply means you're in the process.
3. Believe.
One phrase I kept hearing from the commentators was that winning teams play to win rather than playing not to lose.
That stayed with me.
How often do we approach the piano trying not to make mistakes instead of believing we can become fluent musicians?
Belief isn't a substitute for practice—but it transforms the way we practice. It gives us the courage to begin, the patience to continue, and the resilience to keep going.
As I settled into my new home, I realized these lessons weren't only about soccer or piano.
Moving to HawaiŹ»i was a dream I carried quietly for many years. It took countless small steps, difficult goodbyes, and faith that the destination would be worth the journey. Looking back now, I'm grateful that I believed long before I could see the outcome.
And now another chapter begins.
Over the past few weeks, I've begun settling into a new rhythm here in HawaiŹ»i. It's giving me space to think more deeply about music, learning, and the kind of teacher I want to continue becoming.
My hope is that Live Love Piano continues to be a place where you not only learn to play the piano, but also discover the quiet joy of learning well.
Believe that you can. Then begin.
Until next month,
Kristina
