Newspaper Article 2017 – Pianist recognised

Pianist recognised

Queen’s Service Medal

By Alice Lock
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A WOMAN who has shared her passion for piano with more than 2000 students was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Cara Watson from Napier was “humbled” and “overwhelmed” to receive such an award for a job she loves.

“I love everything to do with music and it is a special thing being able to teach a wide range of people, who are all different and at different stages.”

Mrs Watson’s youngest student is 4 and her oldest student until recently was 85 years old.

She has prepared more than 1800 students for examinations from initial to diploma level, with successful results, including highest marks and examiner’s choice awards.

“My 85-year-old was such a darling and I think it is wonderful being able to teach these people something new every day no matter how old they are.”

One of her grade eight students won the second highest marks in the world, and has gone on to become one of England’s top young opera singers.

Mrs Watson has been teaching piano privately for more than 50 years, starting as a student teacher in Napier, aged 16.

Alongside her private lessons the piano enthusiast taught at Napier Girls’ High School’s Hewitt House Hostel, as head of department piano from 1981, and at Tamatea High School from 1984-2016.

She teaches children with learning disabilities and gets joy in seeing them achieve. “I build a rapport with these kids and it is amazing to watch them grow, they are all wonderful.”

Mrs Watson also holds free concerts so all her students get the chance to perform on stage in front of friends and relatives.

She continues to take private lessons in her home and has no desire to stop .

“I love my job and I have now even found time to go swimming and be social with my friends so it is a lot of fun.”

Photo caption – CARA WATSON,  QSM, pictured with 8-year-old Napier student Finn Clark.