Guess What We Got?

Otherwise titled: Finally.

I'll give you some hints. It's digital. It came in a box. Big enough to use the packaging as a fashion statement.

Come to think of it, this child may have a future. I can picture this on the runway. Just get someone really really tall, and really really thin and prance. I think it would be a hit in chartreuse.
Okay, another hint?

It has 88 of these.

Yes, my friends, at long last it's happened. We didn't go authentic or "real", but we like it . I insisted on the piano having the right touch/action. It had to "feel" real. This Yamaha was as close as I could come. I bit more than we budgeted but I'm very pleased.

We purchased this at a really great store in Portland. Starbird Music. I was in despair that I would never find another Ward Brodt like we had in Madison. Starbird is smaller, but filled the need perfectly. The sheet music world was my oyster! When I went to find Ms. D a beginner piano book the names Thomspon, Schaum, and Bastian all greeted me like old friends. Ah, the feel of a music store.   I got Ms. D her beginner book, workbook, flashcards and myself a couple books on theory. Because for some reason I hated learning as a kid, but now have a passionate interest in chords and theory. Funny how that works, isn't it? Do you know the one reason I think that is? Because while I didn't play piano much after high school, my mom did. I loved listening to her play late at night while we were all in bed. It was comforting, but there was something neat about watching her learn a piece of music. To practice it over and over and over. I've read a lot of homeschooling/parenting books in the last few months and they almost all unanimously agree than children who watch their parents pursue a passion are more likely to pursue their own passions. To see the delight in doing so.

 

We had to get the Beethoven. Cause a piano isn't' a piano without a Beethoven. And Ms. D is really into Beethoven right now. Mr. B looks kinda grumpy, doesn't he?

Well, well, well, look who else is Mr. Grumpy Gills. Seems no one wants their picture taken, hmmm?

Well, everyone should just lighten themselves up a bit around here!

Not going to Mr. B? Well take THAT!!

There, that's better. A little humor goes a long way.

Mr. B found it especially humorous that I was trying to play the piano after 18 years. I detected a certain sarcastic smile on his lips. But I keep at it. I practice from an hour to hour and half a day.  And I've seen some improvement, already. But I freeze if someone walks in the room. I can NOT play in front of other people. I miss all the notes. Alone, I am Liberace. Okay, not Liberace. But I do try to be Tori Amos. I wanna play like her when I grow up.

And Ms. D. is learning to play. She wanted to jump right into "Fur Elise" so she is learning to play that by heart. Which has already taught her alot. Like proper hand position, and proper finger position. Meanwhile, we work on some basics like finding middle C.

And meanwhile, too,  when Ms. D and David are tucked in bed, I play a little.

 

Comments

[katherine]

Yay! Wahoo! How fun!!! I can almost here the notes drifting down from the icy north....BOM BOM BA BOM!

coolio

[Mommylion]

"I've read a lot of homeschooling/parenting books in the last few months and they almost all unanimously agree than children who watch their parents pursue a passion are more likely to pursue their own passions. To see the delight in doing so."

It took me awhile to stop feeling bad when I wanted to pursue my own stuff, verses doing something more with my kids, but I came to that exact conclusion. Now, my kids are not only supportive of me but tend to get into their own art more.

I feel like taking a project from beginning to completion is one of the most important lessons to learn as that seems to be the biggest obstacle for many creative pursuits. I know it was for me. By pursuing my passions they learn that process along with me.

I love your digital piano. We have a keyboard but couldn't swing even the weighted keys yet, but decided we weren't aiming for a concert pianist just a love of music. Are you teaching her yourself?

[Maria]

Hi Mommylion:

Yes, I'm teaching her myself at this point. When she surpasses me we'll either learn together or I'll ship her out.

Love hearing what you had to say on pursuing your own passions. It's hard not to feel selfish when doing so, isn't it?

Love your comments!