The Little Things
Piano · Student Since 2021
Michael Sissoev studied at Little School of Music, where his musical journey reflected a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and wonder. Through lessons, performances, and years of growth, Michael continued to explore music with thoughtfulness and imagination, reminding us that learning is not only about what we achieve, but about staying open to what music helps us notice, feel, and understand.
Sometimes the memories we treasure most aren’t the biggest moments. They’re the little ones. The inside jokes. The unexpected kindnesses. The stories that make us laugh years later. That is Michael Sissoev’s story.
Michael began studying piano at Little School of Music when he was very young. From the very beginning, he brought a sweet, gentle nature that made him a joy to have around the school. Even as he grew into one of the tallest students in the building, there was always something kind and approachable about him.
In fact, one of Little School of Music’s favorite memories began with a simple misunderstanding. When Michael first enrolled, his mom mentioned that everyone called him “Bear.” Naturally, everyone at the school assumed that was his name. For weeks, teachers and staff happily greeted him as Bear without giving it a second thought.
Then came recital day. The announcer proudly said, “Please welcome… Bear!” Michael walked onto the stage, looked around with complete confusion, and finally asked,
“Why do you keep calling me that? My name is Michael!”
The audience laughed. The teachers laughed. Even Michael couldn’t help but smile.
From that day forward, “Bear” became one of those unforgettable Little School of Music stories that still brings smiles years later.
Another memory came when Michael injured his leg and arrived for lessons in a wheelchair. Since the piano studio was upstairs, his teacher, Brianna, simply brought the lesson downstairs instead. Together they wheeled Michael into the recital hall, where a keyboard had been set up so lessons could continue without missing a beat.
It wasn’t complicated.
It was simply what you do when people matter. More recently, Michael participated in Little School of Music’s Music at the Movies project, creating a fun music video alongside his dad. Surrounded by teddy bears, the project captured not only his love of music, but also the joy of sharing it with family.
Then came one final memory. One day, Michael noticed the Little School of Music teddy bear sitting nearby, a small bear with music notes embroidered on its feet, wearing a white Little School of Music T-shirt.
“Can I buy one?” he asked.
Miss Mindy smiled. “I’ll give you one… but only if we can give him a name.” After a little brainstorming, they landed on the perfect choice. Beary White. A bear. A white shirt. And a playful nod to the legendary singer. Michael loved it.
Sometimes the smallest gifts become the ones we remember forever.
Michael’s mother shares:
“Michael has been playing piano since he was very young, and he loves music and the outdoors. He will be attending the California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo, where he plans to study Oceanography.”
For Miss Mindy, Michael’s story is a reminder that the heart of music education isn’t found only in the lessons themselves.
“When I think about Michael, I don’t immediately think about one performance or one recital. I think about all the little moments that happened in between. The funny misunderstanding about ‘Bear.’ Rolling him into the recital hall so he could still have his lesson after hurting his leg. Making a music video with his dad. Naming a teddy bear ‘Beary White.’ Those little moments are what become the memories we carry with us. They’re reminders that music isn’t just about learning notes. It’s about the people we meet, the laughter we share, and the connections we build along the way.”
This fall, Michael will begin an exciting new adventure studying Oceanography at the California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo. Whether he’s exploring the ocean, enjoying the outdoors, or sitting down at a piano, we hope music continues to be one of the threads connecting each new season of his life.
Congratulations, Michael.
Thank you for the laughter, the music, the teddy bears, and the many little moments that made Little School of Music feel a little more like home. May you continue finding wonder in the world around you, and always remember that sometimes the little things become the biggest memories of all. ♥️
