My Grandmother’s Piano

By Sinta Esguerra

When my paternal grandmother was a little girl, she was given an upright piano by her own grandmother. Back in the ‘50s in Orion, Bataan, a piano was uncommon, much less to a family who lived in a hut. Recognizing my Lola’s talent, my great grandmother took out a 500-peso loan to buy this reddish brown piano made of hardwood that’s probably from Germany. It is very heavy that the family had to put a piece of wood under it so the bamboo floor of their nipa hut won’t snap under its weight. This 65 year old piano has given my Lola so much joy and she took great care to preserve its beauty. I chose this heirloom because of the deep meaning it has for my Lola, the similarities the piano and my Lola have, and the benefits that her grandchildren now enjoy because of this piano.

The joy of being able to cultivate her passion for music through playing the piano led her to study hard to eventually be able to play in Holy Mass. Belonging to a very pious family, it was so natural for my Lola to serve God through her music. She has passed this love to my aunt who now plays the violin and the piano in church. Back then, my grandmother’s neighbors were amazed by the beautiful music she produced that she eventually became a music teacher. To complement her meager salary as a public school teacher, she gave private lessons to kids in her barangay. My grandmother treasured her piano. When it got worn out, she had someone repair and revarnish it. During the present times, especially this pandemic, my grandmother kept herself busy, productive, and cheerful by practicing and playing many different pieces.

Seeing my grandmother play her piano is truly a sight to behold. If you looked closer, you’ll see the many comparisons between the instrument and the player. Just like my Lola, her piano is simple but full of splendor. With straight legs and without intricate carvings, there’s not much to admire in the piano. That is, until you hear the music it plays. Much like the piano, my Lola would easily pass unnoticed because of her quiet character until one gets to know her wisdom. You won’t just see a simple grandmother, but a kind and caring woman. Due to the many times my grandmother’s piano has been played, not all the keys are working anymore. However, through the skill of its player, the instrument makes us forget all its flaws and attracts us to its elegant music. Above all the things that my grandmother has in common with her piano, the most evident and appreciable thing they have in common is the longevity the two have. Through all the many long years and hardships each has been through, both my grandmother and her piano have endured it all and gotten through what life threw. Truly, I can say that my grandmother and her piano are a perfect pair.

Thanks to my Lola and her great piano, with the help of the Internet, my sister and I learned how to play when the pandemic struck. She gives us lessons everyday and we’ve both been learning for a year now. On the weekends, she teaches my cousins in the US. Every time I go to piano lessons, I feel grateful because I get to see my 77 year old Lola still strong enough to teach me piano. I will always treasure these moments and can only hope that one day I can also play as well as my grandmother.

Writing about the piano and my Lola, I have discovered its deep meaning for her, the similarities the piano and my Lola have, and the benefits that her grandchildren now enjoy. My grandmother’s humble family background was never a stumbling block in pursuing her passion. This is a great lesson for me for which I will always be grateful. My grandmother’s gift of music to us, her grandchildren, gets us through the pandemic together. Thanks to this reddish hardwood piano.