Oster’s piano music is still touching hearts and souls
Wooster native John Oster has used his gift for playing the piano to entertain students on a weekly basis at the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Ever since he was 8 years old, John Oster has been playing the piano. Having learned from a concert pianist at a young age, the passion has never gone away for Oster, who still loves pounding out a tune, whether it is a classical piece or one of the many songs he has committed to memory.
Oster also has found a place to offer his talents in the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities classrooms, where students greet him on a weekly basis to share in the joy of music.
Oster, who hails from Wooster, has made the trek to Holmesville a priority, and his gift of music has brightened the day for all of the students who are inspired by his music. He has been blessing the folks at the center since 2011 and has no plans of retiring any time soon.
“Music is a way to open a door and connect with people in a very real, very touching way,” Oster said.
The playing of music seems to connect with people in many ways: stimulating motor skills and both the logical right side of the brain and the creative left side.
Physicians and therapists alike both agree music benefits people’s emotional well-being and general health. Individuals with various disabilities can undergo music therapy to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs through singing, moving to music or simply listening to it.
Music has shown many benefits to helping individuals communicate, facilitate movement, and facilitate emotions or expressions of feelings, as well as motivation for individuals to engage more with their therapy.
Holmes County BDD teacher Pam Miller said the addition of Oster to the weekly schedule is good for all of the classes because music can connect with people in very unique ways.
“We teach a lot with music,” Miller said. “The kids learn concepts, and they seem to stick better with music. But beyond that, music is good for the soul, and he can relax our kids if they are having a bad day.”
For the most part Oster keeps things upbeat with his choice of music for the center with songs like “She’ll be Comin’ Around the Mountain” and a host of patriotic songs.
That sets the tone for a festive atmosphere that the students can embrace. The staff sees the effect the music has on each student, and that joy and excitement makes every single note played by Oster something special and worthwhile.
As for Oster, his piano career began when he was in fourth grade when he took lessons from concert pianist Leo Cardona, who taught at the University of Panama.
Oster’s first big performance came in fourth grade when he performed several numbers for his school’s program in Panama including the American and Panamanian national anthems; Sousa’s march, “Washington Post;” and Franz Schubert’s march, “Military.”
“I performed them all from memory,” Oster said. “My training was in classical music.”
Eventually Oster went to Florida State University and then moved to California, where he taught music for nine years at Ashland University in San Diego, as well as private lessons.
Over the years and decades, the pianist has continued to enjoy the art he loves so dearly, and having a chance to volunteer at the Holmes County BDD is a way he can give back and share his passion for music.
“It gives me a great deal of satisfaction seeing everyone here reacting to the music,” Oster said. “Once in a while we see someone respond in a way that they normally wouldn’t respond. They might talk or dance or whatever emotion they are feeling might come through in some unique way. That is where I get my joy in doing this. It is so fulfilling to see them enjoying the moment and being able to express themselves through music, and I am thrilled that I can be a part of that.”