I know it’s meant to be a Creativity Weekend Day today. But, instead of the usual art and craft that I share, I thought I’ll talk about another creative thing that I used to do. Something that I have started to revisit and to re-discover.
Yes, the piano. You see, I used to play the piano. I started taking private piano lessons when I was about 10 years old. And, if memory serves me right, I continued learning the piano formally until I was about 16. After highschool, I just tinkered with it. But, the tinkering became virtually non-existent when I became an adult.
Sure, I still know how to read notes and play basic tunes. But, I’m totally out of practice. I can’t even play the music that I used to be able to play by heart. That’s because I haven’t touched a keyboard in years.
Well, until a few weeks ago, that is. You see, my 4 3/4-year-old son started learning the piano through his school. And, to encourage him to practice at home, we got him a decent keyboard.
So far, so good. I mean, my husband and I actually wondered how he’d take to it, seeing as he’s a very active boy. But, without any prompting from his piano teacher, we received a glowing report about his progress, even just after a couple of lessons. She seems very impressed by his attention span, enthusiasm, and how well he remembers the notes and his lessons. Lots of other flattering compliments – but will spare you the details. 
In any case, both husband and I are glowing with pride. Tough not to be. 
But, like any kid, he doesn’t really enjoy practicing the basic stuff that he learns during his private classes. He will only practice his Do-Re-Mis when I actually sit down with him and help him out. That’s why I end up practicing the piano myself. Not a lot, but still more than I ever have done in years.
And, part of the creative challenge? How to get him to practice the basics – without getting him impatient and bored within 5 minutes. Well, I’m still having to figure all that out. Heh.
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Shai, what a cool thing to watch your child discover. We played music to my 3-year old while still in the womb, we so want him to appreciate (if not make) music!
It’s a totally different way to exercise that brain of his, especially if your almost-5-year-old is comfortable being active. It shows him how to rely on different parts of his brain to be stimulated.
Are you thinking about taking up piano more regularly again? What made you stop?
Hi, Jess. Music is definitely very much a part of my life one way or the other. I also used to play classical music to my boy when I was pregnant with him. And we sang to him from the moment he was born & such. So, I’m really pleased to see him interested in pursuing music.
On me picking up the piano again – I am unofficially doing so, I guess, due to being my boy’s official ‘piano practice partner’. Good for him to see me playing too, I find, ’cause it encourages him to keep playing. Not sure if I’ll be anywhere near the level I was playing in my younger years, but, we’ll see…
I stopped because when I left my family home & got married, I didn’t have a piano with me. Plus, got too busy and interested in other things. It is fun playing again, though.
Looking forward to hearing how your child will go with music appreciation!
I’m glad that you have realistic practice expectations from your young child. At this stage, his piano playing enjoyment and enthusiasm are extremely important. Thanks for your article.
Thanks, Dan. I love encouraging my kids to do things – to be the best that they can be. To find things that they can love doing. But, always trying to make sure to keep it on a level that keeps them happy/healthy.
Oh I’m envious of you both! I begged and begged for piano lessons, but was never allowed. I suppose mom kept us too busy with ballet, tap and jazz classes growing up so there wasn’t much time.
My grandmother had a beautiful piano that I would play on every time I went to her house. Eventually I learned how to play a few songs by ear as I have never been able to read notes.
Finally one year mom got this awesome big keyboard that hooked up to our gaming counsel. It was great having the lessons up on the tv screen especially since I’m a visual learner.
How about making your son a fun progress chart of sorts? Every time he practices he gets a star on the chart or marble in the jar for example. Then when he reaches a certain amount he can trade them in for a prize – a favorite dessert, retreat to the park, hour of his favorite past time, etc.
I’m well out of my childhood, but I still am motivated by being able to say rack up points on a rewards card and trade them in for somethings special
@Kari – Ah yes, the good ol’ rewards chart. We all love it, no matter what the age.
My boy actually has a ‘Good Book’ where he collects stars for different things. Finally allotted a space for piano practice time stars. 
We’ll see how it goes. And wow – great that you’ve been sent to all those lessons too. Too bad you didn’t get the chance to do the piano, since you really seem to want it sooo much. 
But hey, never too late??! I once met a friend who even learned the violin in her 40s or something. So…. 
Can you ask your parents what they did to motivate you? Kids are often a lot like their parents so the same things may help you with your boy. My poor Mum had no idea how to keep me going with my music practice and I too gave it all up once I lfet high school (and was no longer in the school band.)
@Melissa – Ah, the old way to motivate me was probably not what I’d like to use for my kids. Different parenting styles, methinks.
But, one thing I know worked for me as a child is knowing that my parents really wanted me to learn – and that they did their best to go to piano recitals and such to encourage me. Those things helped to a point. 
My daughter recently started playing the piano too… and she’s loving it! She even plays more when I bought her a real piano.
JO: That’s fabulous! How old’s your daughter? Does she go to a private piano teacher? What kind of piano did you get her?
How cool. It’s lovely he’s getting into playing. I’ll second the progress chart idea, or rewards idea. It’s a great motivator, especially when he can see how well he’s doing.
Hi, Heather. Yes, definitely excited about it. It’s good that hubby’s also involved enough to check on his progress and insist on piano practice too.
And yep – we just whipped out his “rewards book” so we’ll see how it goes. Thanks!
Yay! We’ve got another musician in the family!
@Sasha – Hehe. Well, I’m hoping that he’ll end up to become a better pianist than me.