East Greenwich Piano Teacher Gail Fulton-Anderson Shares Inspiring Story in Children’s Book

With more than 35 years as a music teacher under her belt, East Greenwich’s Gail Fulton-Anderson has a lot of stories to tell. In her new children’s book, Play Me, Please!, she tells the tale of an abandoned pea soup-green piano brought to life by a special student as she uncovers her own incredible hidden talent. The real-life talented pupil who inspired the story is Sadie Sempre, a girl born in China without her left hand, but who would go on to bring music to life on the piano, and do much, much more.

“My book began evolving many years ago,” begins Fulton-Anderson, “but it truly came together when I began teaching young Sadie who is the ‘star’ of the story.” Sempre stepped into the teacher’s life when she began taking piano lessons at Rocky Hill Country Day School, the independent, college preparatory school located in East Greenwich. “She is fearless. She can play any piece of music, just like that,” says Fulton-Anderson, snapping her fingers for emphasis. “It’s automatic. She doesn’t have to struggle with it. It just flows.”

Fulton-Anderson started her music studies at San Jose State College in California. Since then, she has been a member of the faculty at Rocky Hill and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, along with giving private lessons at her home studio. Passionate about teaching music and sharing this story, Fulton-Anderson has been visiting schools and libraries where she reads for young people and plays the piano. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to show students how important it is that we embrace our differences, whether it’s ethnicity, lifestyle, or physical ability.” As she’s available, Sempre joins Fulton-Anderson at readings and performances, which opens up the conversation even further.

“Sadie is now 17 and so full of poise,” Fulton-Anderson says with pride. “When students ask about her missing hand, she tells them that she was born this way. It’s the same as being born with freckles or blue eyes,” explains the author, who adds that students immediately become comfortable and get caught up in Sempre’s story and her music. Together, the pair are working on a sequel to continue to tell Sempre’s story and she expands her talent as a dancer on the national stage.

Illustrated by Providence-based artist Elisha Gillette, Sempre’s story is one of inspiration and the determination to persevere despite the obstacles. In the book, the neglected piano is overjoyed at being discovered by someone very special who brings out the beauty of its music long hidden inside. “It’s a book with a message for all ages, from six to 80. We can all be inspired by this story.” Copies are available at StillwaterPress.com. Contact Fulton-Anderson for piano lessons and appearances at gclef27@gmail.com.