I have known Lucien for 30 years. I was only 24 years old when I became a "Starkling," and it changed my life. I thought I knew how to play the piano, but through much patience, diligence, and tireless dedication, "Dr. Stark" gently--but firmly--reshaped and guided me to discover possibilities I could never have otherwise encountered. I looked forward to every lesson throughout my bachelor's and master's degrees, then into his retirement years when I continued to consult with him. Actually, he "raised me up from a pup." Lucien was an incredible teacher. He knew how to lead without spoonfeeding, to challenge without intimidating, and to sympathize without pitying. As his student even when I was not as prepared as I might have been, I knew I would leave the lesson with at least a week's worth of practice ideas and challenging musical concepts upon which to muse. He was not one to accept mediocrity when he had a vision of excellence, and inspired me to discover similar standards for myself. He was very specific in every aspect of making music. He nurtured in me a love for attention to detail, which became a critical point for me in my approach to practice. ---Nan McSwain