Nico had his first piano lesson the other day, and he loved it. He’s been practicing every day since then without me prompting him to do so. A couple of times I warn him that if he didn’t’t behave or do XYZ I would take time away from the piano, and that straightened him up quickly. We’ll see how long it lasts.
This is the opposite reaction I had to music lessons. I pitched a fit and whined when my mom told me she signed me up for piano lessons. Despite this, I took piano for over 10 years. I hated practice and I’m not sure I ever practiced more than a song or two that I really and truly enjoyed playing. The rest, forget it. Didn’t care! Performances? Loathed with every fiber of my being. Strange how I remember piano lessons so fondly, and how when I grew up I knew I wanted my children to learn musical instruments. For something I hated so much at the time, it really made an impact on me. Hopefully the boys will feel the same way about music when they grow up, too.
Fur Elise was my signature piece. The first nine notes could transport me to a happy place, a pleasant practice trance. I played those notes repeatedly. Repeatedly. Repeatedly. I don’t think my family felt the same as I did about that little ditty ;) Let us know how his practice habit evolves. I think today my father might wear noise canceling headphones if he had to listen to practice again. Nico could play Carnegie Hall some day!
LOL Robin – me too! Even now, when I haven’t played in years, I can feel my fingers playing those same notes.
One of my daughters absolutely loved playing – she misses it now that she’s not living at home and I’ve promised her the piano once she’s in a fairly settled situation. She often played (loudly!) when she was upset and it really helped her work through some things. She also told me recently she thinks she was smarter when she was playing. I hope Nico keeps his enthusiasm and finds joy and comfort in playing. Sweet picture!
We three kids all had music lessons: my mother was a pianist – not professional – but music and practice was a part of our lives. However, as the youngest, I had to play whatever instruments were still in the house, which turned out to be clarinet or piano. What can I say? I love music, but I do not like having to practice! I would have been better off with music appreciation and then permission to choose what instrument I’d like to learn.
I’m glad your son is happy to learn music – it’s better for everyone.
So glad I’m not the only one who hated playing! My brother and sister and I had lessons for at least 5-6 years, but only my sister played “for fun”; we always had to be told to practice. She loved playing, and received a music scholarship in college, so yeah, she was good. I quit the first chance I got (though I loved my teacher) and don’t regret it a bit. Glad Nico loves it. I think that’s so important, that the child has their own desire to play; I always wanted to play the flute, and my parents said, “Yes, after you get a good base on the piano.” Well, that never came of course. I want our kids to choose what to play and really have the desire.