I didn’t grow up in a musical family. When I was about 12 years old my family obtained a hand-me-down piano from my grandparents and ended up taking about one year worth of piano lessons, which I hated, mostly because I was on the same level as the eight year olds around me. My other siblings took some piano, but it was never really something my parents insisted on. Despite my lack of musical training I have always loved music and as I got older I regretted not sticking to piano and learning how to play. I decided that my children would be musically trained, that was something that was going to be important in our family.
About five years ago Dadzoo’s parents offered to give us their piano and I jumped at the chance and promptly enrolled our oldest in lessons. As of now our four oldest are taking piano lessons, and I have been firm on insisting on a fair level of proficiency before I will allow them to quit, despite the fights, the crying and the questioning. I worry a lot about those lessons, am I supervising enough, making sure they are doing their lessons properly, are my kids learning, am I forcing them to do something they don’t really have talent for? I am terrible at recitals, I compare their progress (in my mind, never to them) to other children their ages. I wonder, will they ever be proficient?
Well this week our family jumped into the realm known as “band”. Yes, my two oldest joined the middle school band and have now added another instrument to their musical training (I won’t let them quit piano just yet). Today as I was walking past, what has become our “music” corner in the living room, it occurred to me that we just might be a musical family, just maybe.
Interesting.
Our music corner
Punk #6 is always very interested when the older girls play the piano. She either joins them by pounding on the keys, or sits on the floor and "dances" to the music.
It is looking as if she will be equally interested in the other instruments as they come into the house.
I did grow up in a musical family and in the end I loved it! Day to day practicing not so much, but how great it feels at the end of a recital or a band concert!Some of my greatest memories from my youth involved being in band so I think it’s great!
I grew up in one also. Had piano lessons when younger (still have that piano; wished I had kept up with the playing though) then went on to play the clarinet and oboe (sold the former; still have but never play the latter. My youngest played it too). My sibling played the flute (love the flute); my dad the organ (hated Bach but love classical music and hymns now, just no Bach–too heavy). My oldest grandson played the violin.
I think it is great to have kids involved in music–teaches discipline and gives them an appreciation for all kinds of music.
Blessings,
Aimee
Love this post! :0)
And not to worry, you’re doing a great job with your girls. Like many other things, it’s the consistency that is the most important part.
I actually had to laugh when your #2 told me at her lessons last week that she was learning the French horn. She mentioned that she wanted to quit piano now that she was moving to another instrument. And, as she let me know, because she’s so good at the piano now! ;0) I laughed and assured her there’s still plenty I can teach her!
And music was such a huge and wonderful part of my childhood. A gift I will always appreciate my parents giving me.
Becky, you are such a wonderful teacher, I appreciate all that you have done over the years. Yes, #2 does want to quit, but the mean Mom I am told her that until she can play hymns at church she can’t even think about quiting 😉
Haha! Yes, as my mom FREQUENTLY reminded us growing up, “Mean moms have kids who play the piano!” (Also one of my favorite sayings!)