Hello, readers! The cold streak here in Colorado continues, which means our family of five is hunkering inside for the most part and, somehow, not getting too stir crazy. (Definitely a little stir crazy, though.) With all that couch time, I’ve notched about eight books so far this month (two of them on audio), I’ve watched more sports than I have in ages — football and tennis, mostly — and I’ve had plenty of time to practice my new hobby, which I’m excited to tell you about below. It’s been nice to be a little bored, actually, but I’m also ready for some warmer temperatures.
My boys (7 & 9) started piano lessons last year. Once the teacher finished with them, there was still about 10 minutes left and she turned to me and said “alright, now it’s your turn!” I was shocked. I had found this lady on a local moms group’s list of people who teach piano, her schedule worked with ours, and I had no clue she’d make me learn too! Her philosophy is that the parents need to know what their kids are doing, and that it’s good for the kids to see their parents practice and learn something, so she carves out time in the lesson for parents. I had never played before, couldn’t read music, but I’m keeping up with the boys and am having a blast. The teacher even asked me to play in the spring recital last year because she had a teenage girl student who was also a beginner and was self-conscious about playing simpler songs than the younger kids. So I played a beginner piece on stage for an audience that included my husband, his parents, my parents, my kids, and what felt like every other person in town! I haven’t been that nervous in a long time, but it was such a great experience. I’m glad you’re enjoying the piano too!
I've gotten into Duolingo over the last few weeks. I took French through college and felt like i didn't remember anything. I love the gamification and the realization that I retained much more than I realized. My pronunciation is still a nightmare, but baby steps!
How you found your in-person teacher? Was it s a word of mouth or did you go to a site? I've been thinking about taking formal lessons recently.
My boys (7 & 9) started piano lessons last year. Once the teacher finished with them, there was still about 10 minutes left and she turned to me and said “alright, now it’s your turn!” I was shocked. I had found this lady on a local moms group’s list of people who teach piano, her schedule worked with ours, and I had no clue she’d make me learn too! Her philosophy is that the parents need to know what their kids are doing, and that it’s good for the kids to see their parents practice and learn something, so she carves out time in the lesson for parents. I had never played before, couldn’t read music, but I’m keeping up with the boys and am having a blast. The teacher even asked me to play in the spring recital last year because she had a teenage girl student who was also a beginner and was self-conscious about playing simpler songs than the younger kids. So I played a beginner piece on stage for an audience that included my husband, his parents, my parents, my kids, and what felt like every other person in town! I haven’t been that nervous in a long time, but it was such a great experience. I’m glad you’re enjoying the piano too!
I've gotten into Duolingo over the last few weeks. I took French through college and felt like i didn't remember anything. I love the gamification and the realization that I retained much more than I realized. My pronunciation is still a nightmare, but baby steps!