Tots-To-Teens Piano & Voice Instruction

More about Theresa...

     I open up to you with some my life's history, and it all begins with Grandma & Grandpa....   

Grandma & Grandpa Gavello: 

Celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1980...

     It was September 3, 1980 when I sang Grandma & Grandpa's favorite song..."My Blue Heaven", the memories I witnessed while they danced to 'their song' ~gazing into each other's eyes; the glow was incredible.  The family gathered together; filling the music hall with the celebration which was a "Surprise Anniversary Party".  

     Grandma & Grandpa Gavello ~"Maudie & Louie" were married in 1930; for 64 years while on this earth.  But if they had anything to say about it, they're married forever.  Their love for one another was very deep.  Grandma died in 1990; Grandpa lived four(4)  years longer as a widower, and died in 1994, missing Grandma more & more each day.  

     Together they raised two(2) children, three(3) grandchildren, and having a total of five(5) grandchildren, lots of great grandchildren plus great-great grandchildren, they loved each & everyone of us individually.etween 1940's to 1950's)  

This photo above is of Grandma & Grandpa somewhere between 1930's to 1940's

Music:

At the age of 9, Grandma, across from a distance, she heard this lovely singing voice...it was me.  I put the headphones on, listened to a song on a "45-Record"-the equivalent of a "Single" as we refer to them in the music business.  The song was 'Speak Softly Love', and I was singing Opera!  There I was, at that moment then, discovered by my Grandmother. 

I didn't even know I could sing; even though my Great-Great Aunty Maude, as my Grandma told me, where I get the Opera Voice from sung at The Metropolitan Opera in New York, I never knew I could sing.  But there I was with an Opera Voice at age 9-Grandma hears me from her 'Little House' next door. 

I was belting-out & loudly singing the words of the Love Theme from 'The Godfather', "La, la la la la la la la la la la la...Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah..., Speak softly Love and hold me warm against your heart..." both humming & singing, it was gorgeous! 

Although I never watched the movie, even today, the soundtrack is something of an extraordinary work in music history. 

Grandma's Little Doll House & Hearing me sing Opera at age 9...

I'll set the scene up:  Months before I was born in 1963, with no understanding of how to draw plans for a house, although a painter, sketcher & artist, beginning in 1962, my Grandma was 'The Little Architect'.  She drew it all up, designed & built a little house next-door to the big 1941 house.  Grandma & Grandpa lived in the 1963 house next door to assist in raising Mom's three(3) children...including me.

The new house was small: it was referred to as 'The Little Doll House', by Mom.  It had one bedroom, one bath, and in 20-steps of walking, you could circle the entire house inside.  The 1941 house, 'Big House', was equipped with an old-fashioned fireplace, 3-bedroom 1 bath house in the suburbs.  Mom, my two brothers and I lived in the big house.  Singing away, I have no idea Grandma's listening, as she could only hear the 'Singing' and not the 'Music'.  There I was, the headphones blasting in my ears; with the orchestra 'Speak Softly Love', I had no idea it could be heard from the outside of the house.  The windows were closed where I was in the 1941 house, and Grandma's on the phone in the 1963 house; calling Mom at work & tells Mom as she was working at her job in Emeryville, California, "Barbara, listen to this!  That's your Daughter!" 

Theresa's First Opera Lesson was at 9 Years Old & it was in 1972...

That night I had my first Opera Lesson with a woman so beautiful that no one person could ever match her beauty in song & music; my Opera Teacher had her own Opera Voice that was exceptional.  She used to sing at the San Francisco Opera House.  I had lessons for many years exclusively with her, Suzanne Compton. 

I continued to Sing at many functions; performing at small gatherings, including large ceremonial-in church weddings, and wedding receptions as well.  I've performed & recorded with Bill Fulton, a music genius who does lots of great music in the Southern California area today.  In fact, here's a song Bill & I recorded called "Butterflies", by Bill Fulton/Piano Score & Lyrics by Larane DeHope -Instruments:  Bill Fulton, Fender Rhodes/Piano, Tom Fulton - Drums,  Matt, Small-Bass Guitar, Unknown Strings, Unknown French Horn.  

I learned the Piano at 15 years old...

Furthering my music love, in instrumentation, I learned the piano mostly on my own.  At age 15, I wanted to do my own scales for Opera, so I rented-yes at 15 years old, I began paying $15.00 a month to rent a spinet piano.  My Mother taught me the "C"-Scale, and I taught myself the rest.  I would practice sometimes 8-hours a day.  That's really the only way to get better at it is to practice.  "Practice Makes Perfect" - I tell my Students.  In 1998 I began 'Tots-To-Teens Piano and Voice Instruction'.  

Prince Pantha ~ 'The Visiting Kitty'

...Oh yes, the "Visiting Kitty"  - I took a break from teaching for a period of a few years; trying to have a family.  That didn't go well, but I have a "Visiting Kitty" that for over four (4) years has been visiting and I've been feeding her/him.  She's fluffy, and I don't care to know if she's a boy or a girl...I just call her "Princess Pantha".  The interesting thing is she kept coming to the house within the past year with these collars on.  So I thought someone else must love her as much as me.  That's so sweet.  So it seems I share a beautiful animal with a lovely neighbor.  It takes a village sometimes, and I'm happy to be an 

"Adopted Kitty Mom".   But I found out some interesting news....is Kitty a Prince or a Princess?  Well in late 2017, I saw another collar around Princess Pantha's neck, and it had a phone number on it.  So I called it and found out the kitty I once called "Princess" was actually a "Prince", hence the name change of now Prince Pantha.  Oh, and his real name is "Kenny", and he's lived two (2) doors down for those four (4) years.  Well, I guess I'll be the kitty's other Mom.  And he has a brother!  Yup, I thought I was seeing something one day, and there was now 2-kitties - cute.

Mom

     Here's my Mom.  This photo was taken on April 30, 2016.  Although I began being her Caregiver in 2016-2017, she still did her own driving, shopping, and was very independent until June of 2016.  Here's Mom & I at Walmart.  We were still giggling from when we were in the car driving...as was pushing her cart, I said to her smiling & giggling, "Washington, huh?  Funny, Mom..." then she had this little smile.  

     We laughed, and giggled so much ~ and Mom always said that "Laughing is the Best Medicine..." I definitely believe that.  Once again, this is Mom and I on April 30, 2016, as she drove us to Walmart - she loved driving her Cadillac's!  We were giggling as we walked into the store...while we were on our way, I took a video of Mom driving us.  We were having fun, as always, then Mom said, "We're in Washington now...", and that was Mom being so silly...we were actually in Martinez. 

     Mom was always joking around...but really sly like no one will know what she's really thinking: almost mysteriously presenting funnies that were original to Mom.  I put the video here, just tap photo...it's really cute!  :)  One thing I want to say to everyone; pick up your camera and video your Mom, family, and/or anyone close to you; I only have a few videos & photos of her, and I cherish all of them for a lifetime.  I share this now with everyone; Mom was awesomeness. 

   We were always giggling, and we stopped laughing a moment, then I grabbed my camera and take a photo of my cute Mom...just let Mom do what she always did...joke around, and I got a few photos like that.   She was so funny.  Mom & I always did this cute thing...I would say, "Good-by Barbara...",  and Mom would always come back saying, '"Good-bye, Barbara."'  Then I would tell her when the camera was ready, "Say hi, Barbara...", and Mom would say, '"Hi, Barbara."' Just something we did as a little funny.  Love you, Mom.

Thank goodness I took photos & the video below, because this is all I have now.  And, I didn't take that many, but what I do have is now for a lifetime.  I will be making more family history available.  I've begun with collaboration with family, what Mom/Grandma/Grandpa have said about different aspects of our history, and the Gavello Family Page is now available for viewing.  I'm just in the beginning stages.  This is my Italian Great-Grandparents; their journey to America.  I will be adding pages to this websites with more photos & videos to enjoy. :) 

Tap photo to see the Video of Mom driving us to Walmart on April 30, 2016

     Then in 2017, my Mom got real sick.  In June of 2016 she began having little signs she was changing; her body was in decline; gradually Mom was 'Eldering', but too fast for some reason.  'Eldering' is my new word. 

She was in the hospital a few times.  One of the times was on May 2, 2017, that was the day I recorded piano music for her at Kaiser Walnut Creek.  Mom was sleeping, and I had to go pick up my dinner from one of my favorite restaurant Emil Villa's in Walnut Creek, CA.  At Kaiser, they have a beautiful grand piano in the foyer and the sound is incredible.  I took the recording back to Mom's room and played it for her.  She was so happy I did that for her; she went with me at all my performances; giving her memories made her smile; but leaving her for one second was difficult.   

     On May 10, 2017, Mom lost her life.  Rest in Peace, Mom, I love you. 

     Although my love for Music is strong, I studied to be a Certified Medical Assistant at Age 19 

I was 19, Mom was 49 in this photo.  Mom & I are 30-years apart in age.  In this photo, Mom & I were at a wedding in 1982.

     At age 19, I went to school to become a Certified Medical Assistant.  I thank my Grandpa for getting me into medical training; it gave me the knowledge to know what to do to save lives.  As Grandpa saw my love for medicine-I used to take care of splinters, cuts, and more with Grandpa, so he sent me to "Medical Training School" and I became a Certified Medical Assistant. 

Cashmere Sweaters & Mom:

Mom just loved her Cashmere Sweaters.  This is one of them from many years ago; powder/baby blue.  It took her lots of money she earned when she worked at Bank of America, to save for this swater, she told me this one day. 

This was a black & white photo that Mom colored in with her pastels.  Her art talent lives on in every brush stroke with watercolors, pastels, as well as sketches.  Mom had a unique way of showing her art.  

My beautiful Mother , Barbara ~'Barbie'

Grandma & Grandpa 

(I was raised with my 2 brothers by my Grandparents)  

And a little more history about me:  I never stop learning; Grandma and Grandpa always had some wonderful books in their house.  And Grandpa bought us kids the "Encyclopedia Britannica" which was a world of knowledge to learn: that was our "Internet" back then.  

Grandma for many years, would subscribe to "Readers Digest" and made some wonderful choices over the years.  Of course, one day, I hope to read and take the time to enjoy the book gallery she invested in. 

Although a challenge to raise three (3) grandchildren, they took on the task with open arms.  If one thank you could count for all the teachings of my Grandparents, it's a million thank you's to help all understand the impact they had on my life.

In this photo above, from Right to Left is Mom/Barbara Gavello, Uncle Don/Donald Gavello, my Grandma Maude (her maiden name is 'Tamblyn') Gavello, and my Grandpa Louis E. Gavello.

 

Grandpa Gets the Man of the Year Award in 1969

An Immigrant from Asti, Italy, Grandpa and the Gavello Family traveled from Italy to Ellis Island. See Famiglia di Gavello

This is Grandpa (left man in photo) in 1969 at Retirement from City of Richmond Parks Department.  The City and others, nominated my Grandpa to be the Mayor of Richmond.  Instead, they made him Man of the Year of 1969. 

The City of Richmond

       The Parks Department at the City of Richmond threw a grand celebration for him.  I remember as a child, we had many different people visit from the City of Richmond; different co-workers of Grandpa's; I had always wondered why they used to refer to Grandpa as "The Mayor". 

       Very interesting person, my Grandpa.  Protecting everyone around him; I learned how his love for people grew into keeping everyone safe at all times...that was my Grandpa: he always made sure everyone was alright & safe.  Grandpa helped to keep neighborhoods safe during the war:  he was the "Look-Out-Lights-Out" that went door-to-door telling citizens to get ready they're flying over now!!!  Mom would begin to cry when she talked about this; it was extremely scary., she said.  Lights Out!  Stay Safe! 

What a Man Louis E. Gavello was. 

(Grandpa is on the Left in this photo.)

       1982 - The first year I started studying Contracts: I was 19 years old.  Grandpa got me started.  Then, there was one book Grandma called "You and the Law" -A Readers Digest selection.  It has wonderful references, information regarding different legal issues, including 'Contracts' discussions.  It gave me an insight into law more; it enticed me to study more.   But my very first love was at age 16 when I wanted to learn about law with Criminal Justice-101 course I took at a local college.  I first wanted to be an officer of the law.   As time grew on, I continued my love for law.  Also, I was singing & playing the piano all the way!

       My Grandfather, Louis E. Gavello, was an Ornamental Horticulturist and Plant Inventor-among many talents of his.  One day, he handed me Patent Number PP4918 to type up a "Royalty Contract" for - but he didn't tell me anything about the word 'Royalty', so I just began to type it.   I was doing this to give to his Lawyer - Manfred M. Warren who was a Partner at his Law Firm he shared with Robert B. Chickering, and Glen R. Grunewald.  As I typed this on Grandpa's Olivetti portable manual typewriter-that I still have; I cherish the moments remembered with it, and one day I'll type on it again. But I remember how I felt; how Grandpa gave me something to do that his Lawyer would have done.  It made me feel important.  Here's another patent in the Escallonia Series - This is the Escallonia Compakta - I helped Grandpa spell this...he asked me how to spell it...I said, "Grandpa, that's not a word", now it's history.  

     It was like all of a sudden, I understood more; the man-my Grandpa, the one that took me to all the Botanical Specialties at U.C. Berkeley, and all of the Horticulture affairs, now I'm a bigger part of what Grandpa was doing; that just made me so happy.

     One of my classes was "Typing 101".  Grandpa wanted to give me some practice, and begin what I call now one of the best things he could have ever done-'Law'.   I was so nervous typing his contract up...then I saw'Royalties'.  That led to a question of Law which drove me to Grandma's Readers Digest Law book.  Then Grandpa showed me the second page, and my name was there to receive the royalties for the plant he named after me The Escallonia 'Terri' - my nickname Grandpa gave me.  Even though it was something new for me; to type  a contract, everything turned out fine.   And Grandpa reassured me that it was only going to his Lawyer and not to worry.  Oh, no pressure, Grandpa!  :) Well, nevertheless, it began more of an interest into law that lingered.  

     Civil Rights Law & Discrimination Law study started in 1996...I began learning about "Civil Rights"; reading cases while I was also learning more about the area of contracting.  It was about then I started studying relative laws & case law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), and furthered my love for discrimination law.  Contracts are my first love in law; as my Grandfather led me there. 

This is Mom and I at KPMG Martinez on May 11, 2016. 

-The selfie of me 2016

                                      

 

I miss her laugh, her smile;

I miss Mom.

The Queen of Beauty...My Mom

These two photos were taken somewhere around 1967 

 Mom just got her "Beehive Hair Style" done earlier that day, and she wanted a photo.  Back then, the camera to use for a quick photograph was the Black & White Polaroid Camera.  That missed out on color, but it still holds the beauty of Mom.  Mom had a dream of being a Fashion Designer.  Here, Grandma was right there getting ready to take the photo, and Mom said she wanted to switch her "Golden Robe" around to put the collar in front with no buttons.  Well, as Grandma was a Specialty Tailor, she thought this was a little original; questioning Mom about her choice, but she took the photo and now we have it to talk about it.  So here's the first photo...the one where Mom had the front of her "Designer Dress" - as no one was supposed to know - she's really wearing a beautiful robe...I remember this robe, by the way.  It was very beautiful. 

In this second photo, you can see Mom's "Designer Dress-No Buttons" - like the 'Hollywood' nickname I used to call her...because she had that beauty, enough to be a Queen of Beauty.  This is Mom's design.

                                                                              

Mom in the 1970's 

This is Mom's "Gypsy Style Hair".  I now have experience in cutting this special style, as I cut Mom's hair in her last few years; she enjoyed looking better than the salon's. She loved this specific style; and she could wear any cloth es and still look like the Queen of Beauty that she was.  I miss you, Mom. 

The worlds most beautiful Woman...Mom, I love you.

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