Piano Portrait: Scandalous Grace
This past summer I changed the reason why I compose piano works. Instead of just composing music on a whim for my own pleasure, I now write music for people who inspire me. These “Piano Portraits” are unique musical gifts that really do last a lifetime!
One of my customers, Deb Ingino, shared with me a video of her daughter, Melissa, receiving her Piano Portrait entitled “Scandalous Grace” on her 21st birthday.
Here’s what Melissa heard!
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Here’s the text she read on the back of the framed CD.
Deb Ingino approached me about composing this piano work as a surprise gift for her daughter, Melissa, who is turning twenty-one this December. As we discussed Melissa’s personality and passions, her past and her dreams for the future, it was clear that her parents hold a deep reservoir of love, respect and admiration for her. They look up to her for her grace, wisdom and loyalty.
Outwardly petite, this lamb has grown the heart of a lion. Her fervent advocacy for the weak is seen through her giving and support of Living Water International and lobbying Congress on behalf of Invisible Children. She will not rest while the world around her suffers.
As I read these words from Melissa, this music poured out of my own heart at one sitting. It was a sacred moment, a meditation, that led me to my own worship of the God she describes.
something is broken in this world & i want to hold my tiny palms against the wounds so the Healer can later restore …i’m just a girl in a red hat. A lily among thorns. A dreamer. A free soul with a heart that is deeply Rooted. i believe in scandalous grace. i can survive living simply, as long as my friends and family are close. Someday i want to paint the nails of prostitutes. i treasure the art of listening and genuinely receiving even it means remaining silent.i believe in the practice lectio divina. i have a heart for the feeble and broken. i appreciate loyalty and honesty.i think the study of fine tuning in the universe is mind-altering. i believe in altruism and empathy. i’m a little dirt clod made from the dust but hold the Breath of my Creator. i was once dead but now i am alive. <><.
Scandalous Grace is composed in honor of Melissa Ingino. May God grant her many more years in His service.
Melissa sent me this video to express her gratitude.
Click here to learn more about Piano Portraits!
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Click here to contact John personally about giving a Piano Portrait to your loved one!
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John Albert Thomas began composing original, melody-based piano works when he was 12 years old. His compositions have the simplicity and thinly-layered delicacy of Mozart, combined with a contemporary sound reminiscent of Enya, George Winston, and Jim Brickman. In 1995, John graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with a bachelors degree in Music Theory and Composition. Upon graduation he moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he now lives with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children. John has released several solo piano albums, and continues his work on future projects. 
