Friday, March 13, 2009

Maya's Recital...



Maya has a love/hate relationship with the piano. She loves to play by ear (like the first few bars of the Star Wars theme) and play songs that SHE choses. She hates doing theory, she hates playing the songs that she is assigned to play. And last but not least, she hates that she needs my help when she gets stuck.

Playing the piano is not a skill that comes easily for Maya but she really wants to do it. So we go to bed early on Sunday nights so that we can get out of the door bright and early for her 8:20am piano lessons.

My own piano skills are pretty pathetic. I am more or less self taught. Thanks to my Junior High clarinet playing (I was second chair thank you very much), I have some musical background but that isn't saying much. I can read notes, but my left hand doesn't move as quickly as I'd like it too. I wish I could play more than top hand. I wish I could make Christmas carols and church hymns dance through the air. I try, but instead the songs sound like they are drunk and tripping through the air instead of gracefully dancing.


So...
I will continue to force the practices and listen to the same bar being played over and over and over again.
I will watch piano books fly across the room.
I will be the one who gets yelled at because the piece is too hard.
I will take play dates or snacks away when that happens.
I will quietly listen in the other room ready to praise when she finally masters the tricky parts.
I will sit proudly in the audience while she overcomes her self doubt and plays her piece flawlessly.
And I will watch her take a bow and walk tall back to her seat feeling like a million bucks because she now knows what it feels like to complete a difficult task. Hopefully realizing that hard work and perseverance pays off.


With all that said I am finally I am posting Maya's recital...we'll see if it actually works...
Okay so it didn't work...now try clicking on the link below.
And my video skills aren't that hot because I am still learning about that feature on my camera. But don't worry Maya is only sideways for 5 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCOnyaoEWI

13 comments:

Jean McKendrick said...

It may have been me but I couldn't make it play??
I think it's great you are helping her stick with it even when it becomes hard. I think she will be happy she knows how to play in years to come. I wish I could play!! I played the clarinet from 5th grade all the way through high school but dang, that doesn't get me anywhere when it comes to primary. :)

♥Shally said...

Video isn't working... :(

I am going to start Jaxon on piano soon, and am bracing myself for the fights that will surely ensue!! :)

Ilene said...

The worst thing for me during my piano years were the recitals. Seriously, I made the biggest stink about those.

Way to go Maya!

Melissa-Mc said...

As she gets better, her ability to play by ear will only help her. Good job, Maya! (and mom, too)

calibosmom said...

YEAH MAYA!!! My Hannah is the same way-wants to play her own thing. I'm ready to bribe her with an Ipod if she plays just one more year. How do we keep the music going?

AMY said...

So, I think Maya has developed to my piano skill level. What an accomplishment, Maya!

Mrs Ana said...

Good Job Maya! Remember that Heavenly Father has given you a gift. Leah loved to play like you do, but she worked really hard. If you work hard on your own, the accomplishment is sweeter! I never had to tell Leah to practice she did it on her own. I was happy to let her succeed or fail because I knew that when she did well she would appreciate it more! It took the stress off too! Maya, I'm proud of you keep worining hard! Love you!!

Elena said...

I'm not so sure, but I wonder if practice wasn't on Monday or so early... But then that's why I'm so proud of her 'cause even though it's tough she's sticking with it and even though she's shy she performed beautifully. I'm glad I was there for the event.
Jess the day will come for you too when you will see the fruits of your diligence as well. video/audio worked for me. :) xoxo

mahina said...

way to go maya! that was wonderful! my nani is just starting to do piano lessons! we've gotten off to a rough start, but i sure hope she will stick it out like you have. maybe you can inspire her!

Jenny Erazo said...

Tell Maya she sounds GREAT! You are an amazing mom! I just put my kids in lessons and somedays wonder if it is worth it. I would give my right hand to be able to play the piano (but then I REALLY couldn't play!) After watching Maya's recital, ALex decided he wanted to go practice:-)

Lauren in GA said...

You are a good mom, Jessica. I love how you both are sacrificing (You know...flying piano books, and all ☺ )so she can learn this skill. She really will thank you one day. I love that she feels so good after playing at her recital.

Second chair, huh? Touch you ☺!

Bridget said...

Yes, we are in this stage too. Maren was crying about having to go to piano lessons last week but today she has been practicing non-stop and I even heard her say to herself "I love piano." I hope this lasts...

Anonymous said...

good for Maya! She really has "the touch". I'm serious. Keep making her practice, she'll thank you later.