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Her Key For Piano Students: Be Sharp

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Gabrielle Morrison, Helen Morrison’s 4-year-old granddaughter and student, is just one of the close to 300 students Morrison has taught in her more than 30 years of music education.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 24, 2008

TAMPA - No sooner have the little hands knocked on Helen Morrison's front door than they are in position on the piano keys, plunking out songs.

The youngsters come from across Hillsborough County to the small, spare room in East Tampa to learn from a woman who has been teaching piano for about 40 years.

Morrison started giving private lessons in the late 1960s at her Morrison Music Studio while a music teacher for the school district. She retired in 1985.

At 76, Morrison's passion is undimmed. Last year, her studio received nonprofit status, allowing her to offer scholarships and reduced rates for lessons.

"Children today who are in less-advantaged areas don't have the outlet to use their inborn talents to do something other than sit on the porch and do nothing all day," she said.

Morrison said a bigger studio would help. She said she has contacted the city's parks and recreation department and the Tampa Housing Authority about finding a space but hasn't gotten far.

"We just need that one angel to help us out," Morrison said.

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