Professor Tony Weinstein's hands fluttered and flew over the piano keys Wednesday as he took to the stage to share his talent with DePauw students and Greencastle residents alike.
As he took the stage he looked cool, calm and collected all except for a slight tremble in his hand.
“I’m nervous when I play, trying to overcome the nerves," he said. "Creating images and line without being like 'oh my god, what’s the next chord?'"
As he began playing the audience sat mesmerized, every once in while hearing a faint gasp coming from around you.
“I love the piece. It’s one of Schubert’s best," first-year Courtney Feiler said. "I think I was done very sensitively. It was completely beautiful.”
Growing up it seemed Weinstein was born to play piano, as he is a fourth generation pianist. Weinstein’s grandfather was the first in the family to become a piano teacher with everyone following suit after. Everyone in his family is involved within the musical world, boasting a sister that sings.
“Initially I as supposed to be the kid that did something besides music.” Weinstein said.
Weinstein spent his college career at Oberlin College where he was a piano and music double major. In making the transition from musician to professor Weinstein attributed the easy transition to his family.
“It’s in our blood.” Weinstein said, adding “The job is not performing but more teaching which was something I always wanted to do.”
Following the first half of his performance there was a short intermission. Once he came back out to play the second half, the audience erupted in roars of applause. It was obvious that there was a lot of love coming from the audience.
Weinstein’s performance continued for another hour, as he pounded out song after song. As the night drew to a close Weinstein performed his final piece. When he stopped he was greeted to a standing ovation from everyone in the audience, making it clear the performance was well received. The performance was so powerful that it even left some of the older audience members near tears.
“Tony Weinstein is my accompanist," said sophomore Graeme Richmond. "He’s a phenomenal piano player.”
Weinstein said he loves teaching at DePauw.
"I think that I really get the kids and understand who they are and what they need,” Weinstein said. “When I first accepted the job, I drove up to campus and instantly thought that I was home.”
For Weinstein, it's all about the music.
“Music is so endless. There is always a different way to go with it. There’s always a new challenge to overcome, a new piece to learn," Weinstein said. "It's ever-changing and interesting with new horizons discovered almost daily. Every answer seems to bring about a new question.”