Piano
Linda Cabral’s earliest musical memory was at about age five. She recalls how she loved to pick out tunes on her uncle and aunt's beautiful baby grand piano when she visited them. She was later given the opportunity to take lessons. When she started lessons, she never had to be told to practice. Her teacher told her that she was the best beginner she'd ever taught.
Her teacher was a strong influence on her - not only teaching piano, but music appreciation, ear training, and theory. When Linda was in high school her teacher asked her to teach some beginning students. It was then that she knew she wanted to study music in college.
Linda was awarded a piano scholarship but says she "got side tracked and started psychology." She graduated with a BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling from Central Connecticut State College. She worked in the healthcare field many years, but still played piano.
She finally made the decision to go back to school and study music to become a teacher. Linda studied at The Hartford Conservatory where she had fantastic teachers and met a lot of talented students. Being more interested in the teaching aspect of the program, she hadn't realized that she would be performing so much. She found that she really liked performing. Now, in addition to teaching, she likes to combine her backgrounds and play in hospitals and nursing homes. She is involved in a music therapy program at Midstate Hospital, playing for patients, families, and visitors. Linda is also studying to be a therapeutic musician, which is teaching her to decide which type of music is best suited for various situations. She also plays at private functions such as weddings, art shows, and more. She also performs with fellow musicians - in duets or groups -with guitar, flute, or vocals.
In her teaching, Linda helps her students see how exciting it is to make music, and how much it can enrich their lives. She has seen music change people's moods - excite people or calm them down. She demonstrates that music is an ongoing process of learning and that there are many reasons people choose to play.