SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Lillian Sakowski did not always like playing the piano. Receiving her first lesson at 7 years old, it was a full decade later that she began to appreciate the instrument and her own musical potential.
Sakowski, of South Brunswick, fell in love with piano around the age of 17, but another decade past before she found her true passion – teaching. She has been teaching piano to children and adults for more than 40 years. She established and owned Matawan Music Center in 1980 and still teaches at the center, which she has since turned over to her son who renamed it MJM Music.
Piano teaching is in Sakowski’s blood, as her mother and grandmother both taught piano as well. She teaches approximately 30 students aged 7 to 18, and the studio boasts 120 enrollees. She teaches most of the students for many years until they leave the program before heading to college or work.
“They become family. I know they’re whole life history,” she said. “You get involved with them and their lives. It’s like you’re young all the time.”
Sakowski hosts three recitals every year at the Milltown United Methodist Church. Next week, her students will perform during the annual awards recital, during which they receive recognition for awards they have won throughout the year. The children receive pins, trophies, awards and other distinctions after playing a piece they performed during a function or recital that year.
Every so often, an unbiased teacher within the National Federation of Student Musicians, of which Sakowski is a member, attends a recital to judge the students. She said her students always receive “superior” or “outstanding” marks.
In addition to the National Federation of Student Musicians, Sakowski is also involved in the New Jersey Music Educator’s Association as well as the Music-Fest, Golden Key, Crescendo and Mozart Festival competitions. Her students have played in Carnegie Hall, Bechstein Hall, the Kosciuszko Foundation recital hall in New York, the Curtis Institute and the Perelman Theatre at Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
As well as being a “prideful” time for the studio’s students, the recitals also provide a charitable opportunity for the Milltown United Methodist Church. Sakowski charges $10 per family for admission to the recitals, and all of the proceeds are turned over to the church’s missionary fund. With this money, the church sends members to New York or Tennessee to build and repair houses. According to Sakowski’s daughter, Jennifer Pinnella, more than $800 has been raised for the fund during four recitals.
Pinnella, as a worshipper at the church, is just as much a fan of its missionary work as she is of her mother.
“My mom finds fulfillment in enriching the lives of young people,” she said. “I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments. She has had such a positive influence on so many young people.”
Sakowski said her love of children keeps her mind far from thoughts of retirement.
“Every child is so different, and they all learn at a different pace, so I never get bored with it,” she said. “And you can never get to the bottom of music. It’s an endless pit, so it’s always interesting.”
The awards recital will take place on June 24 at 2 p.m. The Milltown United Methodist Church is located at North Main Street and Church Street in Milltown.
Contact Deanna McLafferty at [email protected].