Some times things with you and your kids seem to click. (Other times you can’t believe these are your offspring.) But when the family’s in sync it sure feels good. Such was the case tonight. Daddy’s not feeling well so he was planted on the living room couch. Downstairs I was embarking on a new adventure with Charlotte-playing the piano. That’s right. I secured movers from a music store to get the instrument from our garage to the basement last week. And though it won’t be tuned until early January, the piano is inviting us to try it. So we have been. Couldn’t resist teaching Charlotte the chord part of Heart & Soul, a song I loved to play years ago doing both parts myself or as a duet. With some number-coded pieces of tape I had her plunking out the C, A, D and G notes to accompany me quickly. Then came the moment I was reminded how the Internet has changed everything for parents. Instead of digging through buried plastic bins to uncover old music sheets… I took one minute to search ”piano notes for Jingle Bells” and voila, just prop the laptop on the top of the piano and you’re good to go. Within 30 minutes the kid was belting out the first part of it (E-E-E, E-E-E, E-G-C-D-E…) and between watching Thomas golf and shake his groove thing doing Wii Sports and Just Dance, I was able to teach her the rest. It came easy to her, actually. That was so cool to see. Took me back to my years of piano lessons and the initial awkwardness of holding your hand in the right position, then suddenly getting it. It was surreal. Watching my daughter experience the exact same emotions I did at her age. The joy of trying and instantly succeeding at something new. The peace of family harmony that can be so fleeting.
Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 54
This post was written by Tara on December 3, 2012
I’ve played piano for over 45 years, and there are few things that have brought me such joy in my life. Having her learn piano is one of the BEST gifts you can give to her!
I took years of piano lessons, learned the basics, but never really excelled at it. It wasn’t until after I was married and just used the piano as a sort of relaxation that I really learned to enjoy playing and did better at it. I wish I could have pushed myself more to be better when I was younger. Time to dig out the Christmas music I love to play and challenge myself with. Enjoy this time and I hope Charlotte learns to love it as much as you obviously did!
Reminded me of my lesson days and the teacher would tap my wrist to keep it down and in the right position. Wouldn’t happen today! But, there are so few kids that follow through with piano and it will soon be a dying art if there aren’t more parents like you. Encourage her and even sit with her. My dad sat with me for an hour each night while I practiced. I played in church for about 25 years and really miss it now.
I oh I agree! I still remember like it was yesterday my organ recital at the nursing home around Christmas. Scared, but it all came out well. And that was 42 yrs. ago!
I started with piano, gave up the piano, but wish that I hadn’t. I started on another instrument and still play it today at care centers, churches, anniversary parties, bank parties, etc. and for my own enjoyment. Music is very therapeutic as you get older like me, I’m getting close to retirement age. If possible, don’t ever let Charlotte give up her piano lessons. Hopefully Thomas will be interested too. You do need to make them practice. One thing about the instrument I now play, I don’t have to hire movers, it’s a lot more portable than the piano. Older people love polkas, dance music and waltz music…can anyone guess what my instrument is?
About 67 years ago I started to play the piano. My mother played and so did my grandmother. Now my daughter plays and she is teaching her 7 yr. old! I’m in Heaven!! Way to go Tara and Charlotte.
Accordion?
You are right Tara!