Marshall, 11, delivers original material, ‘Stage of Fear’

Eleven-year-old Allie Marshall, a student of Dave Stram’s at The Piano Den in Creswell for just two years, performed her original composition, ”Stages of Fear” during the studio’s Spring Recital on June 2.
”Stages of Fear” reflected a musicality striking for a young person still relatively new to piano study – and it’s actually her second composition; her first was ”Dreams,” complete with lyrics.
Allie’s parents, Natalie and Jason Marshall of Creswell, recognized and encouraged the talent for music and composing that seemed to come naturally to their daughter.
”When Allie was about eight, she took a sudden interest in a child’s Elmo keyboard she’d gotten as a toddler,” her mother, Natalie, said. ”We noticed that she was able to play familiar tunes by ear and especially enjoyed recording her own creations.”
Shortly after that, Allie’s parents surprised her with a piano and offered formal lessons.
Asked about her musical process in creating ”Stages of Fear,” Allie responded, ”I was attempting to play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’; I failed – but then this turned out even better.”
But why the focus on feeling fear and moving through it? It was an experience that ”Stages of Fear” ably embodied.
”That’s kind of how I feel when I get nervous,” Allie said. ”I’m really scared; then after a while, I settle down – and I usually hide in my closet afterwards.”
While she admits to getting a little nervous when she plays piano or sings in front of an audience, Allie said she isn’t afraid when she performs. Instead, ”I was thinking of fear in general,” she said, ”and how tense the feeling is – being little and how so many things scare you.”
With her natural ability to transform what she feels and experiences into music listeners can understand and relate to, there’s little doubt audiences will be hearing more from this sensitive young pianist, vocalist and composer.