I used to always have a piano recital for my students in December. Last year was so crazy I decided I hated doing it in December and really, there was no reason that I had to! So I thought I would have a spring recital instead. Today was the day. Because I have had so few students since Eva was born, I didn't want to go to a recital room in a music store like I usually do. We had a little laid-back recital at my neighbor Heidi's house. (I may have to do a post about Heidi sometime. I love her.) Anyway, it was so nice! I didn't stress out like I usually do on recital day. I just made some treats, put on a skirt, and we walked across the street! I think it was a little less stressful for the students, too. Just a small group of admirers to listen to them in a comfy family room.
Here's the really fun thing: Lucas has been wanting to start taking lessons. He had his first lesson on Wednesday, has practiced about 15 times since then, and played in his first recital today! He was so excited and he didn't even seem nervous. He chose his hardest song to play today. Max was very well-prepared this time and was happy with his performance, too. I finally took the opportunity to take some pictures of Max's hands playing the piano today. I have been wanting to do that for quite awhile. There is just something I love about his hands. I am proud of my boys today! (and all of my students)
Oh, and another thing! When I was leaving for book club on Thursday, Lucas decided he wanted to compose a song. I thought he would go to the piano and pound something out, but he went to the kitchen table and started notating a piece, complete with bar lines, finger numbers, a repeat sign, lyrics, and a diagram showing where to place your hands! It totally cracked me up. Then, when I was out scraping the snow off my windshield, he came out to tell me that he had written it for primer level and that I could teach it to my students. Too funny.
11 comments:
SO cute...Lucas' knowledge seems far beyond a first lesson. James is dying to start piano and Jessica has her recital on May 8th. She tells everyone not to make plans that day. That is nice for you to do for your students, it sounds like a great recital.
I didn't know you taught piano (really not that surprising since I really only know you from your blog and all the nice things Jessie has to say about you). Very cute "piece" by Lucas. Have you had him play it for you yet? ;)
That original work by Lucas is certainly a keeper! Sarah just started lessons (from Mary Alice) last month and LOVES it. She, too, practices about 85 times daily.
Max really does have beautiful hands!
Your laid-back recital sounds like a huge success. I'm glad it went well, and am so impressed that Lucas was willing to perform. He really has come out of his shell this year.
I love the picture of Max's hands, very cool.
I think Lucas' first piece as a composer is so cute--I think it's frame worthy and perhaps historically significant.
I knew those were Max's hands before you said it- I like his hands too, and what's with him looking all old and grown up with a ring on? Lucas really has come leaps and bounds this year. Good for both of them!
What. i feel like an idiot. you play the piano!
do i just have no memory or was i so self centered my freshman year?
did you used to play in the basement of DT?
what a nice post and blessing for your family that you play and teach.
I LOVE the pictures,and said as soon as I saw the post "I didn't know Lucas was playing the piano!" Cool, Lucas! I too recognized Max's hands and think I need a copy of that for framing! I am going to start my generational photo wall in the basement soon...okay, someday...definitely, the original composition is a framing op! I just want to hug those two boys! Beam me over, please! Okay, WAY COOL black piano! Go Heidi!
That story about Lucas is so cute! I'd love to hear his first piece of music. Maybe you have a famous composer on your hands!
I've bene wondering where you've been the last few days. I thought you might be making a push to catch up with Rhonna Farrer's art challenge, so something. It sounds like you've benn busy. I'm glad the recital went well for you and your boys. Isn't it nice when a typically stressful situation turns into a really pleasant one?
I LOVE the story of Lucas, both the recital piece, but especially the compostion. WAY cute!!
I also love the picture of Max's hands...very well done. A framing op indeed!!
kristi -- I DID used to play in the basement of DT! It was my favorite form of stress release!
I'm DYING over the composition that Lucas wrote! That is the greatest thing ever. I hope my kids do awesome things like that... and Max's hands look like yours Michelle - I love that he has a ring on - his personal style is coming out!
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