Things are getting busy for with Spring around the corner so I'm going to start posting once a month. I hope some of these experiences have helped you with your lessons. Thanks for tuning in.
Today Koji and Kai's group classes had a parent participation day. They do Eurhythmics which explores body rhythm, self expression and music. They totally enjoy it. The kids are so adorable and I found myself smiling as I watched them jump and dance to the piano. Several times I looked around at the other parents and I found that they were amazed too. It's not that they were doing anything extraordinary. We were all just delighted by our children. When my son looked at me and saw me smiling, he smiled back. I think there's something so simple and profound about this. It says to him, I love the way you are. I think about my husband and I. We've known each other for twenty years and way back when we first started dating, I'd walk into a room and he'd smile with this gleam in his eyes. I knew he was happy to see me. And now he smiles like this for all three of us.
At school sometimes I see parents who are so wrapped up in their work that they don't smile when they pick up their kids at the end of the day. They walk ahead of them, rushing to their cars while the child trails behind dragging their backpacks. It makes me sad. I notice because it wasn't long ago that I was one of those moms.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Post #13- 100 Day Celebration
I'm working on a giant banner to hang over our piano. Saturday will be our 100th consecutive day of practicing. We actually started a month before lessons started to get our kids used to the habit of practicing first thing in the morning. Back then we just fooled around on the piano. We still have fun although I admit it's becoming more challenging. Koji and I have had some trying days where we snapped at each other. A few times I've had to walk away and take a breath. The line between a 'fun practice' and goofing around is getting darker. I see now what parents of older Suzuki kids are referring to when they tell me to 'hang in there'.
When we started, my attitude towards practicing was much the way I approached gardening... with love and appreciation for nature and it's beauty. Discovering music through the eyes of my children was awesome. It still is but I'm getting too involved in the accomplishment and not enjoying the flowers and scenery enough. Why do we have to get through all the songs? I definitely need to lighten up. My goal is to get back there. I see now that this is the main challenge we Suzuki parents face. If we approach it this way, then our kids will enjoy it too. I would sure be sad if my children got to the end and didn't smile.
When we started, my attitude towards practicing was much the way I approached gardening... with love and appreciation for nature and it's beauty. Discovering music through the eyes of my children was awesome. It still is but I'm getting too involved in the accomplishment and not enjoying the flowers and scenery enough. Why do we have to get through all the songs? I definitely need to lighten up. My goal is to get back there. I see now that this is the main challenge we Suzuki parents face. If we approach it this way, then our kids will enjoy it too. I would sure be sad if my children got to the end and didn't smile.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Post #13 - Dynamics of Words and Notes
I have been wanting to blog but I've been incredibly busy these last two weeks. My writing portfolio was due yesterday and it contains all the work I did this year in my 2nd year of my MFA in creative writing. It doesn't just contain my first draft, it contains all my rewrites and my final edits. Writing is so much like playing the piano. You have to do it over and over again. By that, I don't mean to copy something over but to refine it. You make it smoother, infuse emotion, reiterate those themes or symbols in a subtle way. You do it enough and eventually the written word will flow effortlessly, the way it does when one starts getting good at a second language. The more you use it the more natural it becomes. Learning how to write well is like learning a second language. When we read, our eyes subconsciously pick up certain words and phrases more easily than others.
There are many other parallels between the two arts. When new writers start writing fiction, there is the tendency to over dramatize. We think that in order to demonstrate sadness, the character needs to break into tears and moans, or faint breathlessly on the ground. When we read melodramatic writing it doesn't seem real. If you want your fiction to be believable, you have to reach the reader on a deeper level. Sometimes it's more powerful if the character walks down the path with his head down low. Subtle strokes in music also make it come alive.
Kale has a tendency to press his fingers down hard on the keys. I think he does it because he thinks loud is good and because he's naturally confident. At our last lesson the teacher asked him to play more softly. I liked that she said this: Anyone can play it loud but can you play it soft? She implied something about control which really parallels writing. Good writing carefully controls the readers journey. Both require good ears and plenty of practice.
There are many other parallels between the two arts. When new writers start writing fiction, there is the tendency to over dramatize. We think that in order to demonstrate sadness, the character needs to break into tears and moans, or faint breathlessly on the ground. When we read melodramatic writing it doesn't seem real. If you want your fiction to be believable, you have to reach the reader on a deeper level. Sometimes it's more powerful if the character walks down the path with his head down low. Subtle strokes in music also make it come alive.
Kale has a tendency to press his fingers down hard on the keys. I think he does it because he thinks loud is good and because he's naturally confident. At our last lesson the teacher asked him to play more softly. I liked that she said this: Anyone can play it loud but can you play it soft? She implied something about control which really parallels writing. Good writing carefully controls the readers journey. Both require good ears and plenty of practice.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Post #12 - Books on Parenting
While I was pregnant I read tonnes of books on pregnancy and birth. After my kids were born, I continued to read books on 'baby's first year'. Then life took over and didn't read much at all.
Since discovering the Suzuki method, I've been devouring the reading list of books our piano teacher gave us. Many of the books are on parenting or coaching and they each offer many, many insights and ideas. I never would have guessed that piano lessons would facilitate me to become a better parent. So much of parent is coaching, training and cheerleading.
These are a few I highly recommend.
A Good Enough Parent
by Bruno Bettleheim
Seven Worst Things Parents Do
by John C. Friel
Training a Tiger
by Earl Woods
The Inner Game of Tennis
by W. Timothy Gallwey
Enjoy!!!
Since discovering the Suzuki method, I've been devouring the reading list of books our piano teacher gave us. Many of the books are on parenting or coaching and they each offer many, many insights and ideas. I never would have guessed that piano lessons would facilitate me to become a better parent. So much of parent is coaching, training and cheerleading.
These are a few I highly recommend.
A Good Enough Parent
by Bruno Bettleheim
Seven Worst Things Parents Do
by John C. Friel
Training a Tiger
by Earl Woods
The Inner Game of Tennis
by W. Timothy Gallwey
Enjoy!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Post #11 - Discipline and Art
One of the reasons I love writing is that because all things are possible in writing. Through stories, fiction or non-fiction, one can influence change, one can ignite an inner fire, one can inspire. But most writers are self employed and it takes discipline. One of the reasons I believe I am a writer today is because of piano lessons. Having to practice everyday and also round up my younger sisters up to do it, took discipline, initiative and focus. What happened over the years was that it became routine. It was one of those things that just had to get done right after school, even before homework. I knew I had to practice before my mother got home or she'd get upset.
As a writer, there isn't anyone to clock my hours or monitor my breaks or holler. I do it whenever I want to. It's freedom. But freedom also means self government and this requires a certain strength of will. Normally I start writing when the kids go to school. But ever since I took Kai out of daycare and put Koji in piano lessons, I've had to find another time to write. I've had to shift my writing time to an earlier slot. Because I am most creative in the mornings, those hours for me are most precious. Koji practices from 7-8am so in order for me to fit in my writing, I've to wake up at 5am. That's when I work on my novel every day. I do this for two hours and I'm no morning person but it is the best way right now. I may be able to steal a couple of hours later at night but I know my mind won't be as fresh or creative. If I left it all to the end of the day when I have little left to give, my art suffers. The only way it works is if I go to bed at a reasonable hour ~ by 9:30pm. If this sounds difficult, it is. By nature I'm a night person. However, if I was employed someplace where I had to be there by 5am, I'd be there...so why couldn't I do it for me? This is after all my dream job.
As challenging as it is, the solution itself is quite simple. I want my writing to be good and I want my children to excel, therefore I need to give them my best hours. The littler things just have to wait.
It's time for bed. I wish you all goodnight.
As a writer, there isn't anyone to clock my hours or monitor my breaks or holler. I do it whenever I want to. It's freedom. But freedom also means self government and this requires a certain strength of will. Normally I start writing when the kids go to school. But ever since I took Kai out of daycare and put Koji in piano lessons, I've had to find another time to write. I've had to shift my writing time to an earlier slot. Because I am most creative in the mornings, those hours for me are most precious. Koji practices from 7-8am so in order for me to fit in my writing, I've to wake up at 5am. That's when I work on my novel every day. I do this for two hours and I'm no morning person but it is the best way right now. I may be able to steal a couple of hours later at night but I know my mind won't be as fresh or creative. If I left it all to the end of the day when I have little left to give, my art suffers. The only way it works is if I go to bed at a reasonable hour ~ by 9:30pm. If this sounds difficult, it is. By nature I'm a night person. However, if I was employed someplace where I had to be there by 5am, I'd be there...so why couldn't I do it for me? This is after all my dream job.
As challenging as it is, the solution itself is quite simple. I want my writing to be good and I want my children to excel, therefore I need to give them my best hours. The littler things just have to wait.
It's time for bed. I wish you all goodnight.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Post #10 - A Better Way
I have a deadline to meet but here I am blogging about our piano lessons. All February, all I've been wanting to write about in my journal is my family, whereas last year it was all work. Last year, I was in school full time plus I was doing some freelance writing. All my efforts were focused on my career. When I was with my children my mind was off somewhere, thinking about the novel or the article I was working on. I was rarely in the moment. As the year passed, it got worse and my work completely consumed me and though I didn't like it, I couldn't stop. My wonderful husband had to fill in the gaps around the house and with the kids. I knew something had to give and that something was me. By the end of the school year I was completely burnt out.
This September I knew I had to do things differently. I cut my course load in half and in January I took Kai out of daycare to spend more time with him. At the same time we started Koji in Suzuki piano lessons. All these things have been positive changes in the right direction. It's so much better, not that things are perfect. I've perhaps gone too far the other way, not enough attention on my work. It's all about balance. I'll get it eventually.
These days we've gotten into a good rhythm. I can't tell you how much I look forward to practicing piano. It's weird, I know. The best days are when I bring out a new practice game. When Koji sees it, he raises his eyebrows and smiles. Those practices always last a long time. The best is when he says, 'mommy can we play this game again tomorrow?'. It feels almost as good as when he tells me he loves me. I give myself a pat on the back for making something tedious, into something enjoyable. He works so hard.
My days are lived more in the moment now and part of that credit goes to the Suzuki Method. It's a nice diversion to get those creative juices going for something other than my writing. I set aside a little time every day to prepare for practice by making fun games. I've got my husband cutting out little dog pictures from an old breeders magazine (for a dog walking game). And I've got Kai helping too! He loves it. I'll be recycling all these games when Kai starts his lessons. Who knows, maybe I'll put together a little kit to sell, 100 fun and easy piano practice games. And make someone else's practice time go down a little easier,
What was most trying last year were all the bugs and virus' we caught. It seemed like there was always someone sick in the house. Koji was sick at home at least a week during the school year, Kai at least a week and a half. My husband was off work for over two weeks with a hernia amongst other things. I remember getting upset when he got sick as if he wanted to. Interesting how this year nobody has come down with anything more than the sniffles. Nobody has called in sick a single day. If our physical condition is an indication of our family's well being, then this speaks volumes.
This September I knew I had to do things differently. I cut my course load in half and in January I took Kai out of daycare to spend more time with him. At the same time we started Koji in Suzuki piano lessons. All these things have been positive changes in the right direction. It's so much better, not that things are perfect. I've perhaps gone too far the other way, not enough attention on my work. It's all about balance. I'll get it eventually.
These days we've gotten into a good rhythm. I can't tell you how much I look forward to practicing piano. It's weird, I know. The best days are when I bring out a new practice game. When Koji sees it, he raises his eyebrows and smiles. Those practices always last a long time. The best is when he says, 'mommy can we play this game again tomorrow?'. It feels almost as good as when he tells me he loves me. I give myself a pat on the back for making something tedious, into something enjoyable. He works so hard.
My days are lived more in the moment now and part of that credit goes to the Suzuki Method. It's a nice diversion to get those creative juices going for something other than my writing. I set aside a little time every day to prepare for practice by making fun games. I've got my husband cutting out little dog pictures from an old breeders magazine (for a dog walking game). And I've got Kai helping too! He loves it. I'll be recycling all these games when Kai starts his lessons. Who knows, maybe I'll put together a little kit to sell, 100 fun and easy piano practice games. And make someone else's practice time go down a little easier,
What was most trying last year were all the bugs and virus' we caught. It seemed like there was always someone sick in the house. Koji was sick at home at least a week during the school year, Kai at least a week and a half. My husband was off work for over two weeks with a hernia amongst other things. I remember getting upset when he got sick as if he wanted to. Interesting how this year nobody has come down with anything more than the sniffles. Nobody has called in sick a single day. If our physical condition is an indication of our family's well being, then this speaks volumes.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Post #9 - Koji's First Recital
Today Koji played his first recital. All week he had been saying how nervous he was so everyday we practiced his intro and bow. By the end of the week, he had it down. When we got to the concert, (we were early) he was so excited that was willing to sit in the front row alone, waiting for the others to arrive. But he was also scared. His hands fidgeted but he wore a smile like he was about to go on a roller coaster. I could see that familiar combination of nerves and excitement. When his turn came up he introduced himself barely audibly, bowed and played. He played bravely, nevermind the song. It's his first time addressing and performing for a room full of strangers. Today I witnessed my son's courage.
The last time I had spoken to a crowd I was nine months pregnant with Kai. I was receiving a writing award and when they called my name amongst the list of nominee's, I thought I was going to go into labour. I looked out into the crowd and for a moment lost my breath. I remember swallowing and then just hearing my own voice. I couldn't see my husband, the lights were hot and bright. The next minute I walked off the stage and was whisked off for pictures and a celebratory champagne. That was one of the most exciting days of my life. Writing from that vulnerable place is an act of courage and no doubt playing music is too. Oh, I must go tell Koji again how very proud I am of him.
The last time I had spoken to a crowd I was nine months pregnant with Kai. I was receiving a writing award and when they called my name amongst the list of nominee's, I thought I was going to go into labour. I looked out into the crowd and for a moment lost my breath. I remember swallowing and then just hearing my own voice. I couldn't see my husband, the lights were hot and bright. The next minute I walked off the stage and was whisked off for pictures and a celebratory champagne. That was one of the most exciting days of my life. Writing from that vulnerable place is an act of courage and no doubt playing music is too. Oh, I must go tell Koji again how very proud I am of him.
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