What I love about the FIM

There's something wonderful about the FIM. Every now and then I go there to do my homework and it is very relaxing. It is quiet, but not the forced silence of the library. There is no incessant ticking of a fan or a clock, and there is a certain joy felt in the air by the 6-year old cello players who are learning everything there is to know, by the teenaged flutists who grew up in the building and have a sophisticated aura about them, and by the male ballet students, who say hello to you, even if you don't notice them at first.

Although there is free wireless internet in the atrium for those who so choose to use it, my lack of a laptop helps me study thoroghly and without the distractions of mindless television, computer games or socializing (Mindless socializing is possible with my cell phone, but with my 10¢ text messaging, limited minutes, and the fact that nobody calls me anyway, this proves benign.).

Even if my homework and studying is done, I love to sit there and watch people go by. Sometimes, the private teachers will walk through, discussing students or possible concerti they will be performing with one of the larger ensembles. Often, I see students going to and from various lessons, driving themselves or being picked up and dropped off, minds focused on the music they are learning. Occasionally, a young mother waits with her toddler while another child is in his lesson; she reads to her youngest, or gives a detailed explanation of what music is and why this toddler's brother needs to learn it and can I learn music when I'm six?

I can't explain everything I love about the FIM. I've expressed what I can in words, but what can't be told here can be heard in the music there.