Pianist

When I was growing up, I was a flute player. I always wanted to learn how to play piano as well, but the house I grew up had only about 1000 square feet, and every square inch was taken by things that were necessary for a family of four to function. There just wasn't any room for a piano. 

 

I never lost my desire to learn to play, however, and when I was turning 40, I got a piano for Christmas! It's a used beauty, and used to be one of the warm up pianos down at the Aranoff Center for the Performing Arts for the visiting artists. It's got a lovely sound, and an interesting history. How many people can claim that Billy Joel played their piano?  Well I can!  Isn't that cool? It's got some scratches and dents, but I thing that those are just part of it's history.

Shannon and I both started taking lessons at that time. I kept going, but she wasn't ready. She loved her lessons but refused to practice, so she had to stop. We got her started again this January and she's just doing fantastic. She has perfect pitch and is one of those lucky piano students who holds her hands in perfect position, unlike her mother who has iron fingers. She's showing the ability to play pieces by ear, which is both good and bad when you're trying to learn the fundamentals. 

Yesterday she had her first recital and did great!  She played a few solos, and had a few duets with Janet, her instructor (and one of my best girlfriends). 

Janet is our ridiculously talented music director at St. John Fisher. She's also a highly accomplished musician, composer, and playwrite. The girlfriend sells books and recordings on Amazon. She's published in your missal at church. And when it comes to playing the piano, she's phenominal! Janet only has a few piano students (I'm not one of them, I wasn't accepted!), so we're very fortunate to have her as Shannon's instructor.

Janet hosted the recital at her studio (house!) yesterday for our family and grandparents, and we had a lovely light summer dinner afterwards and it was really great!

I'm not taking lessons right now, but I'd love to get back to it. I miss it. Playing piano really challenges my brain, expands my music skills (obviously!), and is a great stress reliever for me.  I really hope that Shannon keeps it up because she could be really, really good, and that's something that you take with you forever. Kind of like riding a bike. 

Comments

[Jan C.]

Love the photos of Janet and Shannon playing together.

I desperately wanted to take piano when I was about 9. My parents surprised me by finding an upright advertised by a little old lady and buying it for me. I took lessons for about 5 years. But I was horrible. My teacher was nice--much too nice. She didn't insist on good form and looked the other way when I didn't practice. Then she capped it off by forgetting to call on me to play at my first recital after I had "Ski Slope" down pat. Very traumatic. I am still a horrible pianist, but it does help to know how to read music, and I can at least rehearse those songs Janet gives us between choir practices!

[Creative Junkie]

I used to take piano lessons for almost ten years, but unfortunately, my mother had no idea how to encourage a love of music and instead, she made it tedious, horrid chore.

I was very good at it but only because I had to work really hard at it - I was not naturally gifted. And unfortunately, I hated every minute of it.

Even now, when I try to play, I can't remember a single thing. I think it's because I've blocked it from my mind as a painful memory. Although when I'm nervous or just thinking, my fingers will still practice scales. I remember the first time I held hands with Nate, he asked me if I had some kind of nervous twitching condition.

It saddens me to this day that I don't play.

I will never do that to my kids - you're a good mom for encouraging Shannon to play without guilting her into practicing.

[Mel aka Mom_of_5]

Great photos! How wonderful that she can do something that will bring great joy to herself and others! I hope you get back to your lessons.

[Catherine Dewbre]

That is wonderful! I love the pictures, too.

I took 10 years of piano and segued over into being a choir geek.

[Amanda]

You're right, it is something you take with you after you learn to play. My husband still sits down when he finds an empty piano and bangs something out. He never had formal lessons, but he plays by ear.

[Tammy]

I use to play the piano and started my lessons in high school. I already knew how to read music from band and I think my mind was working faster than my fingers. Never did enjoy piano. But, my son learned in college and is a good player now. sheesh Some people seem to get all the talent.

Good luck with your lessons Barb and wonderful pictures.

[amy]

wahoo! enjoy your journey. i played as a kid and would rather punch the keys..on a keyboard and make music that way! :)

[Suz]

Great photos.
You are inspiring that you are going after something that you have long wanted to do. You're never too old. Good luck with the lessons & have fun

[Sandie]

Beautiful pictures. I've also always wanted to play. I used to play accordion... in another life. :)So many years ago.

[Lisa Dorsey]

That is wonderful! My youngest wants to learn to play the piano. We may see what we can do for her birthday. Fabulous pictures.

[kelly edgerton]

The pictures are fantastic. I love the last one with the focus on the hands. Way cool!

My brother who is 4 years younger than me just bought a piano. He had his first lesson last weekend. I am so happy that he is following through with something he's wanted to do for years. Of course, we are born of a mother who started tap dance lessons at the age of 65 - her first recital was the year she turned 66. Trying new things later in life has always been instilled in us, and for that I am grateful.

The example you set for Shannon when you began taking lessons as an adult will follow her throughout her life. This is such a GREAT gift you have given her! Hooray on the recital - I love this post!

[TraceyT]

What FANTASTIC photos!!

[Delightful Dwelling]

Beautiful photos! I took piano lessons when I was young, but never really took to it.

[Jenn White]

Lovely post! I grew up playing, and wish we'd made our children learn. They all do something musical, but none of them play piano. It was a great source of stress relief for me, and I miss it. You've inspired me to sit down and play more often!