Student of the Week - Anna Fafara
We are very pleased to announce Anna Fafara as this week’s Student of the Week!
“In 2022, I decided to return to a childhood dream I had almost completely forgotten: learning to play the piano. This turned out to be the best decision I have made in my whole life…
“I had no formal musical background, although music had always been present in my life. For two years, I had volunteered alongside various artists, attending sound checks, supporting their teams, helping with packing and unpacking equipment, making sure everyone had what they needed, and documenting their work through video. I was always surrounded by music and musicians, but never imagined that one day I would have the confidence to sit at a piano and play for other people.
“I couldn’t read sheet music, I didn’t know any chords, and I honestly had no idea where to begin. One day, I simply went online and searched for ‘learn to play piano online.’ I clicked on the first link - Ridley Academy - and that was how my journey began.
“I started Ridley Academy without any particular plan. I would look for pianos wherever I happened to be — in hotels, restaurants, and other places — simply because I wanted to practice and become more comfortable with the instrument. I even had the opportunity to play at Harris Piano Jazz Bar, one of the most well-known jazz clubs in Kraków.
“One day, I noticed that there was hardly anyone there, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to play. I had always wanted to play there at least once, and because I was convinced the place would be empty, I decided to give it a try. I played for about five minutes. When I finished, I suddenly heard applause. I looked around and realized that there were actually people sitting there listening to me! It was such a funny and unexpected moment, but for me, it was a big step - thanks to Ridley Academy.
“Another experience from the beginning of my journey with Ridley Academy has stayed with me in particular. I was in a hotel where there was a couple sitting here together. I asked them if they would mind if I played the piano, and they said they wouldn’t mind at all, so I sat down and started playing. Later, the man came over and thanked me. That was when I discovered that they were actually on a date and that they had genuinely enjoyed sitting there together listening to me play. What touched me most was that I had no idea - I wasn’t trying to create a special moment for anyone. I was simply playing because I had found a piano and wanted to practice! And yet, without intending to, I had created a small and meaningful moment for two complete strangers. That experience made me realize something I find beautiful about music: you can give something to another person without expecting anything in return. You may never know exactly what your music means to someone, but for a few minutes, it can become part of their story. It can create an atmosphere, bring people together, or make an ordinary moment feel a little more special.
“Another aspect of my journey that I deeply appreciate is the support I have received from the Ridley Academy team. They have always been incredibly kind, encouraging, and helpful whenever I have needed them. Having people who are willing to support you makes a real difference, particularly when you are learning something completely new and occasionally struggle with self-doubt.
“What still amazes me is how quickly my relationship with the piano developed. Just two months after I started Ridley Academy, I played at the reopening of a hotel! The irony is that when I began, I couldn’t play a single chord or read sheet music!
“Since then, I have realized that learning the piano is about much more than simply learning which keys to press. It has taught me patience. It has taught me to accept mistakes and, most importantly, not to let them discourage me. I have learned that progress is not always visible from one day to the next, but that consistency eventually creates change.
“There have been many moments when I felt frustrated or questioned whether I was good enough. But every time I managed to play something that had once seemed impossible, I was reminded of why I had started in the first place.
“One of the greatest changes has been in my confidence. When I first sat down at a piano, I could never have imagined that I would eventually have the courage to play in front of other people. I am still learning. I still make mistakes. There are still pieces that seem far beyond my current ability. But now, instead of saying, “I can’t play this,” I try to say, “I can’t play this- yet.” That one word has changed the way I approach learning.
“I don’t need to become a concert pianist. I don’t need to be famous. I want to continue learning, improving, and discovering what I am capable of expressing through music. For me, the piano has become a reminder that it is never too late to return to something you once dreamed about. And perhaps the most exciting part of this journey is that I still don’t know where it will take me. I only know that I want to keep playing - and that is all thanks to Ridley Academy!”
- Anna Fafara, Ridley Academy Student of the Week, 14 August 2026
Very well done, Anna! We are so proud of you
