Collier High School Student Performs at Carnegie Hall

Every musician’s dream is to perform in Carnegie Hall and, for Grant Zaitchick, a sophomore at Collier High School, this dream came true. Grant performed at Carnegie Hall on May 28th in the Spring Piano Festival hosted by the Piano Teachers Society of America (PTSA). Grant earned this privilege by winning the PTSA’s competitive auditions at Drew University in two different categories: Popular Piano Styles, performing “Interlude” by Walter and Carol Noona, and Sacred Music, with “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. The competition was judged on repertoire, poise, stage deportment, tone, pedaling, style and memory and, since Grant won in both categories, chose to perform "Hallelujah" at Carnegie Hall.

At age 16, Grant has studied piano for nine years and practices over an hour a day six days a week. “Sometimes it’s tough, but most of the time it’s just fun,” explained Grant. “When I’m able to express myself, I really enjoy it!” For the last five years, Grant has been under the tutelage of Christine Dolinich-Matuska, a recipient of the National Pedagogy Certification Award and member of the PTSA. According to his mother, Jill Zaitchick, Grant’s grandmother, an accomplished pianist, suggested that her grandson take up piano to try to suppress hand tremors he’d been experiencing since the age of four. “He had a talent for [piano] that we didn’t realize,” said Mrs. Zaitchick. She also noted that Grant has never viewed his long hours of practice as a punishment, but has instead learned tremendous focus and discipline. “Grant had a lot of challenges, but has overcome almost everything because the focus of his life has been music. It has lifted him up both intellectually and spiritually.”

Grant has also flourished since coming to Collier High School last September. “I’m really grateful to be here, simply because the social atmosphere is one of acceptance,” reflected Grant. “That is very difficult to find.” He also felt that the academic program at Collier is a “perfect, universal pace” that accommodates students of all abilities. “The teachers here are willing to help each individual and, with nine kids in a class, you can always get the help you need.”

As he reflected on his Carnegie Hall debut, Grant’s excitement was palpable since, even though he has participated in the competitive auditions year after year, this is the first time he has ever made it to the big stage. “All this hard work has finally paid off!” And of course his parents were thrilled as well. “He works all year on some of these pieces,” asserts Mrs. Zaitchick. “We’re just so proud of him!”