Initiatives such as the "end of term" piano concert organised by Marlene Ferrante should be common practice among all piano teachers. On Sunday, July 13, all her students, as well as the students of the piano teachers whom she herself has trained, eagerly participated in a two-hour concert held at St Elias College, Sta Venera.

The hall was packed with parents and relatives who proudly listened to their children. The programme was very varied, running across beginners to diploma standard. A junior, as well as a senior choir was involved.

Such activities highlight the fact that talents are there to be celebrated and shared. Studying music only for exam purposes (as is the common practice in Malta) gives very little dividend and self-satisfaction. Children need to be exposed to an audience from a very young age so as to develop the necessary confidence.

This fruitful concert involved months of preparation and hard work, all of which was done on a voluntary basis. Mrs Ferrante's dedication to such activities goes a long way in showing her passion for teaching music.

Helped by her family, especially her daughter, Veronique DeGabriele Ferrante, I feel obliged to thank them for all they have done.