The sound of music
If you have children preparing for upcoming piano exams, your house, like ours, is probably filled with the sound of music. We booked the kids’ piano exams a couple of months ago and while they have been practicing with their very talented teacher, we haven’t heard much tinkering outside of their set practice times. So over the last week, we’ve made sure they’ve put in extra practice times on their own - much to their dismay.
One of the reasons why we are so adament that our children learn to play the piano is because we know that it builds character. I watch the kids practice and I see the patience and perserverence that’s required to play well. It takes hours of practice to learn a new song and to get it sounding the way it should. It takes discipline (and a lot of nagging on our part) to get the kids on the piano bench every day to review their portfolio of songs. But we know that it’s worth it. They don’t realize it now, but one day they’ll see that these lessons taught them more than just how to play a tune. Learning to play the piano teaches the kids how to appreciate music, how to think using a different part of their brain, and perhaps most importantly how to use hard work to help them succeed. These are all very valuable life lessons.
I remember when I was young and my parents forced me to take lessons. Unfortunately, being young, foolish and stubborn, I quit because I didn’t want to cut my nails. As a young girl, I didn’t want to make this sacrifice so I told my parents I wasn’t going back. Instead of fighting with me about it (like I said, I was very stubborn), they gave in and that was the end of that. I regret not sticking it out, however, which is why no matter how much our children tell me they want to quit, I won’t let them. I’m counting on them to teach me piano when I retire…