The novelty has worn off

Aubrey started piano about a month ago. Previous to her starting, she was asking me all the time, "when can I take piano lessons?" We had been on a waiting list for a talented piano teacher in the Klein ward since last May or June. Shortly after Christmas, she called up with a spot open. We jumped at the chance.

Because I took piano as a child, but quit and now regret it, I have vowed that my children will not be able to quit. Before taking Aubrey to her first lesson, where she began with the exact same books I used as a child (yes, Lazy Lion is still the number one song), we had a discussion about piano. I hit on three key points (no pun intended): 1. Not everyone takes piano, so this is a special privelege. 2. It's hard work, but it's really important to try your best. And 3., you will be taking piano until the age of 18, at which time, if you want to stop, you can. So, enjoy it, because it can be really fun.

She was excited for her first lesson, and warmed up to her teacher very quickly. She had a good lesson and I could see that she was proud of herself for the things she was doing right. She came home with a list of things to start practicing. I had in mind to keep piano practicing light, and fun, and generally enjoyable. Somehow I failed to see that "piano practice" and "fun" could not coexist. About day two of practicing is when things started going downhill. How soon it became a test of wills! She had wanted so badly to take piano until she began taking it! She's not the only one committed to this until she's 18... and for now, until she can see the benefit of playing the piano, I need to ensure that she practices. One night she cried for literally, ONE HOUR before she finally practiced her 15 minutes. She would not be reasoned with. She kept wailing, "how long until I'm 18? That takes tooo looooooooong!" (This was also about the time she had a few jabs towards me, guessing that in 11 years I was going to 97... thanks a lot, Aubs). I wanted to help her understand, what takes toooo looooong is when you cry for one hour before you practice 15 minutes. If you just buckle down and do it, it will be over before you know it. I suppose that understanding will come with time. My mom is probably shaking her head and smiling to herself, thinking sympathetically, "what goes around, comes around" because I know I badgered my mom about practicing way too much, which is probably the reason she let me quit. (Knowing as she did, that I would learn my lesson).

The day after the piano battle from you-know-where, I was determined to have a good experience, so I called up Grammie, and after school, Aubs and I went over to Grammie's house to give her a "concert." Aubrey played all of her songs without a single complaint. And she was good too. Before we all knew it, piano practice was over. Grammie, you were a lifesaver. Since that particular practice, we've had more issues about not wanting to practice, but I guess it comes with the territory. We let her decide when she wants to practice: before or after school. And we're giving her just about as many choices with regards to piano as we possibly can, so she feels some control over the whole thing. We have also promised to purchase a piano book of Disney songs (that she wanted) that she can learn to play after a set amount of time. And it's getting better. We're making progress.

The thing is, it's so good for Aubrey to do something that is her own. And so good for her to do something she has to work at, and try hard. There are a lot of things that have come easily to Aubrey, like reading, but piano is a skill she can learn and try hard and feel a sense of accomplishment over. So we're sticking with it! Wish us both luck, for the next 11 years. (And that's just Aubrey...)