Saturday, August 20, 2011

Our Next Journal Question - Music Lessons

Mom was so musical and wanted all her children to experience the joy of music and so we all had to take some type of musical instrument lessons.  Dad is still musical as he loves to sing.  I'm thankful for parents who made us take music lessons.  What do you remember about lessons, practice, your teacher?

My first music lessons were at the piano when I was seven.  I remember Chris going with me but I don't remember if I started first or together with her.  I loved to play but always cried at lessons because I was so upset that I hadn't practiced more.  I wanted to please Mrs. Spear but I just couldn't seem to get it right.  She was always nice but for some reason I was always upset at lessons.  And Chris was always telling on me!  "Mom, Cindy cried again today." I only remember one recital at her house and don't remember if I played well or what I played.  I took from her for three years and then we couldn't afford it any more.  I was very upset because I wanted to play.  So I asked mom to teach me.  She was so busy with all of us kids that that wasn't gonna happen so she told me to get out the hymnal and play the soprano line of all the hymns.  I did.  When I was done I asked her what was next.  She said add the alto.  I did.  What's next Mom?  Add the tenor.  I did.. You guessed it..Next was add the bass line.  By the time I was finished playing the hymnal four times, adding another part each time, I could sightread just about anything she had in the house...which I did.  I loved to play and would sometimes play until midnight and then Mom would say keep playing! 

When I turned 16 and had a job I took lessons from Mrs. Spear for about three months and then quit because she had me playing for the High School choir with Miss Irwin.  I hated it!  I couldn't play loud enough and felt so intimidated so I stopped.  After High School and before college I took one summer with Mrs. Martin.  I loved that.  I took piano lessons in every placed we've lived until 2003 when my teacher moved from here and I couldn't find another.  Now in 2011 I've finally found another teacher and am excited to begin again as soon as my schedule clears.

Piano wasn't my only instrument.  I took violin for six years with Mr. Parsons until 11th grade...hated it.  I also started saxophone in fifth grade with Mr. Bittinger.  That was my love.  I practiced for hours at school or home.  I played two solos with the band and then decided to major in music at Evangel College.  No, sadly I don't play it any more.  I tried a couple years ago but my lips gave out and it was too much work to get back in shape so I'm playing the piano instead.

Music, what would life be like without it?  I can't imagine.  I'm so thankful that God created it for us to express ourselves and our worship to Him.

What was your experience?

3 comments:

sue said...

I don't remember when i started piano lessons but i remember it was Mrs Spears who taught me but not for long. I hated to practice. I went back to piano lessons as a teenager for a little while and started to practice more but still didn't like practicing. Now i wished that i had learned more because now i play for the church and it could have been easier for me if i had taken an interest in it. I could take lessons but i don't have time right now. Maybe someday i will.

Chris said...

Well, I took lesions for piano with Mrs. Spears. Don't remember much about that. I took Cello lesions from Someone at school don't remember his name i enjoyed playing the cello was ok at it. Took lesions from Mr Marshall for Baratone and the cornet. I enjoyed that as well. Then i took lesions with Mr somebody for Guitar which is still play today and enjoy the most. I feel closest to God when I play music. I know God enjoys the sound we make and give to him.

CAR said...

Chris, you took from Mr. Parson's for cello and I think Mr. Martin for Baritone. No clue on the guitar.