Thursday, September 18, 2008

Years of Practice

I was not a good piano student. I never practiced. Well, maybe the day before the lesson. In fact, I was so bad at practicing, I became a great sight reader. I could play whatever my teacher put in front of me for the week. The only problem was that I never got any better at the piece because I didn't practice. I took lessons for at least 12 years. Without practicing, you can't really learn to play.

I ran into my piano teacher when my children were babies. Standing in Walmart while trying to keep track of my two year-old and keep my baby quiet, she asked me if I still played the piano. I almost laughed in her face. Practice? I didn't practice when I had weekly lessons. I have two babies here. I can barely shower and I never sit down. Sit down to practice a piano? Are you nuts? I don't even own a piano. You see, I quit my job, we bought a house we can barely afford, my husband left the firm to work in house and now we have two kids. I can't even afford a piano. So no piano teacher, I don't still play the piano.

I didn't say that but I swear I thought it. She was so sweet when I said no. I felt so guilty.

Skip ahead until last November. I came up with a plan to buy a used piano. I wanted my sons to take piano lessons. I had to have a piano. I would take some birthday money from my parents, sell some large ticket toy items on EBay and buy a used piano off of Craig's List or EBay. My husband thought I was losing it. Who buys a piano off of EBay? I did. Sight unseen. Yep.

Guess what else I bought two weeks ago? My old brand of piano books that I had growing up. I am learning to play piano all over again. I was shocked at how much I remember. I guess I must have practiced at some point. Even if my piano teacher made me play the song 14 times in my 1/2 hour lesson, it must have sunk in because I can play it now.

So Miriam, my old piano teacher, it has taken me years to get here. But, I am finally practicing my piano.

12 comments:

OHmommy said...

"I need to find some lazy friends."

;) WTG, Indy.

Anonymous said...

You go girl!!!!

Stephanie said...

Sounds like fun! I always wanted to learn but found the flute instead. Ever now and again I pick it up and play. It's sad because I even had a college scholarship to be in the band. I still remember a lot of it, but just the basics. I couldn't play flight of the bumblebee anymore if I wanted to! ;oD

Genny said...

Good for you! We have a piano, and my daughter knows how to play, but I just watch longingly, wishing I knew how!

Rhea said...

You totally rock. I took piano lessons, practiced some, loved it but quit. I wish I hadn't. I totally want to buy a piano some time and start playing again. It's never too late to study music, I think. My boys are really into music (more drums and guitar though), and we have a keyboard, so I guess I could play on that. You've inspired me!

Anonymous said...

We love that you're learning to play again! Keep it up!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I was the exact same way. I would practice right before the lesson. I can still read music, but I feel like a little kid.

Hubby wants our kids to take lessons, but we don't have a piano either. Never thought to look on Craigslist!

enthalpymama said...

You are playing the piano? You really DO need to have a third, don't you.

Clare said...

Awesome! I just got my old piano from my grandma's house and have begun practicing as well! i am loving it, and I must of remembered more than I thought:)

carrie said...

My piano teacher used to hold sharpened pencils under my wrists so I'd keep them up.

I don't think I'd feel very guilty for not sticking to it if I ran into her! But I love that you're relearning, it really *is* just like riding a bike! Have fun with it!

Lindsay said...

I am so jealous - THAT is my EXACT plan of action after Christmas this year! i told family that we would like money for christmas so we can do just that! Way to go!!

CanadianMama said...

How much was the shipping on a piano?

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