Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Piano anyone?

I have a little son, who can be oh so difficult........it is nice to share some light humor on him sometimes-----

My friend Rebecca's son, Joshua, wanted piano lessons. I told her I could get him started, they are moving in about a month. So.......he had had one lesson when -------- I was practicing for church one afternoon and having a hard time with a song. For those of you who play, hymn 41 , third line is really hard for me for some reason. So, I had made a few grumbling sounds and some deep breathing--very frustrating, you know, not being able to make my fingers do what I want them to do.... So, I notice Saul has sat on the couch and is watching me. I have tried to get him interested in playing the piano again. I'm not the best teacher, but I could get him started on the basics, which is what I did a little more than a year ago.

I pointed out to him that playing doesn't come without practice for me either--that is one of his complaints--practice! So, he said maybe he wanted to start lessons again, like Joshua.

I said: "Sure, would you like me to help you?"

Saul: "Yea, I want to start at the beginning of the book again"

Me: "Sure"--I started pointing and reading and reminding him of the notes, etc

Saul: "So, what notes am I supposed to play"

Me: "The ones written on the page."

He looks at the page for a minute.

Saul: "Maybe I would like to start back where I left off....."

Me: "Sure" I turn to the page and ask "Do you remember this?"

Saul: "No"

I give him a short reminder.

Saul: "So, how is it supposed to sound?"

Me: "Read and play the notes."

Saul: "So, how is it supposed to sound?"

I explain that he needs to look at the notes and play what he sees.

Saul: "Maybe I really don't want to play the piano after all."

So much for Saul playing anytime really soon! Elias and Saul would both do well if they had the desire. When they are a little older, I will press the issue. I was never really pressed so I don't feel the need to press them. They both love to watch me play and that is how I started playing.