Our only child to receive any formal instruction in piano was our eldest, Megan, and, to my ears, she does play very nicely, though she would like to learn more. The middle children learnt enough, at home, to amuse themselves with pretty, little tunes. They know the basics of piano playing and music theory, but the younger girls actually want to play the piano well. With lessons not being an option right now, I have decided to help them from the vast array of music books which we have on our shelves.
Melanie and Joel have discovered that a piano is hardly necessary when one has a perfectly good iPad at hand - and their idea of musical talent is definitely 'unique.' Humble beginnings, as they say...
But I have to be honest with myself, so with our previous history of musical mediocrity uppermost in my mind, imagine my surprise when I discovered that I have a 20-month-old musical genius on my hands! Admittedly, his first attempt was rather ordinary...
8 comments:
Couldn't resist your email and rushed over to find out more!
I am very impressed by your videos. I'll have to try some.
I guess it depends on the level of interest whether a piano teacher is necessary or not. There is no doubt that a good teacher is invaluable, but if a child only wants to play for enjoyment...
Perhaps a piano student would be a good teacher for any children who really want to learn in a more formal way. Imogen with grade 6 could easily tutor a few students and she wouldn't charge a great deal. It's a pity you don't live down the road!
I was always a bit frustrated that Mum and Dad gave us instruments but no tuition. I progressed so far with the aid of books but I really wanted professional help. My timing wasn't good and I knew I wouldn't be able to play with others. Watching Felcity play the clarinet I also realise there are some things like emboucher (no idea how that's spelt!) that can't be learnt from a book.
Anyway, sounds like you are all having lots of fun with the piano and that's what it's really all about.
God bless!
You're right - we don't play really well because we don't have formal teaching. But, we play well enough for our own enjoyment and, if they are interested enough to want to play better, then we will have to find a 'mentor' (by which I meant piano teacher).
Yes, it's such a shame you don't live down the road. I'm sure that Immy would be the perfect help to channel their enthusiasm!:)
If they're serious about wanting to learn to play properly, then a good teacher will be a big help. I feel I've improved a heap since I found a good teacher.
It's great to see they're so enthusiastic. And you're so clever to be able to post videos. I'm afraid I've been too scared to try it. Plus, I'm not sure what video I would post!
I agree that the level of interest will impact on how well they do. I have always wanted to learn piano but have never. Maybe I will be able to when we have no children at home anymore.
Haha, I just love this! I begged and begged and begged my parents to let me take piano lessons when I was little. They couldn't afford it until I was 13, and with an inexperienced teacher, so it really never caught on as well as I would have liked. Just exposing the children when they are little is so great! I would have LOVED to have any piano to play on.
Immy, yes, good teachers are a great help, aren't they? We've had a bit of bad luck with 2 piano teachers and a singing teacher who discouraged the children by, in one case, harshness and criticism, and, in the other two cases, by their lack of commitment to teaching (one used to fail to turn up, without notice, and the other was more interested in talking about personal problems than planning a lesson).
Maybe, the right person will turn up, when we're ready for more lessons:)
Thank you for your encouraging comment, Therese. We will have to trust in their interest to guide them while we're without a teacher.
The thought has occurred to me that, maybe, I should have the lessons and teach them myself. Of course, we would still have to find a better teacher once they overtook me! We'll see where God leads us, as always:)
The little ones can be so funny - I couldn't resist posting this:). I think you're so right about exposing them to music, when they're young. That's why we love music so much, even though we can't really play - yet! I taught myself the basics of piano, a couple of years ago, and I'd love to learn to play properly. With homeschooling, I think it's a real possibility that we will learn together - exciting thought!
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