In February, our family participated in our ward talent show. Here's just a fun little piece we performed called Hopak.
Side note: I am posting this on May 6. I know I'm behind here, but while it's fresh on my mind, I'm going to write about a more recent performance as well. Last night, our family had the opportunity to play in the adult session of stake conference. We decided to learn Larry Beebe's arrangement of "I Am A Child of God" for string quartet with piano accompaniment, and decided it would be extra fun to have William learn the piano part. We only had a few weeks to prepare, so I knew that meant I would have to spend a LOT of time with William in order for him to learn this part in time. During this last week, William and I probably averaged about 2 hours per day working super hard. It's four pages long, and he had the first three quite good by Friday, but the last page was still not quite there. But, he still wanted to give it a shot, so we decided to get a little help from our neighbor, Crystal Powell. She sat by him through the performance, turned pages, and then took over for the last part of the piece. When I asked William if he had fun afterwards, he said, "Yes!...except when I messed up." I told him not to worry because I messed up too. Thomas and Marianne seemed to have a positive experience as well... once it was finished. To me, this was really all that mattered.
I'll be honest, there were times during this past week when I wondered if all the pushing, encouraging, frustration, practicing, impatience, urging, etc. etc. was going to really be worth it in the end. Was I doing a favor for my kids, or just being a huge annoyance in their lives? Would this all turn out to be a good thing, or would they just end up hating their instruments, performing, and music in general?
Sometimes, I really do wonder. It's a fine line, my friends. A fine line!
No one wants to feel forced. But, at the same time, if we only allow our kids to do what they want with the assumption that, "This way they won't resent me. Or music. Or *fill in the blank*." then we would also miss out on some pretty sweet experiences, such as Saturday's performance.
Maybe for now the kids don't see this as that sweet of an experience, at least, maybe not in the same way that I do, but I think the memory of it will last forever. And, the sweetness will come more and more over time.
(As they forget about all the grueling stuff before, right? ;))
You guys sound so great together in that video! And, I really wish we had been able to go to the adult conference to hear you guys. I didn't know you were playing but I'm sure it sounded beautiful. :) I always talk to Jon about that fine line as well. Patrick's obviously not to the age to learn anything yet but I'm still trying to decide how early to start him in something and how hard to push, etc. Anyway, you guys are awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteKaralynn, I can totally relate about the pushing, encouraging, frustration, etc. I ask myself that every time we have something that's coming up! BUT, in the end, I think it is totally worth it too. They have great memories, good skills, and priceless experiences. We can't just let them do what comes easy, right? If that was the case, there would be NO MUSICIANS in this world! You guys are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be in your home to hear this music all day long. Understanding this isn't what it sounds like all day long. I'm so glad my mom pushed me to do more than what I *wanted* to do...especially on those days after school when I wanted to have nothing to do with practicing! And I feel the same way about Leah - she can't play musical instruments, but I totally push her (often to a level of discomfort for both of us) and rarely, if ever, has it NOT paid off in whatever it is that we're working on. So I'd say keep it up! :)
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