Piano, Beatboxing & Drums

I teach piano lessons.  But of course this is not considered an “essential” thing right now and due to social distancing I’ve had to tell my piano students we’re taking a break until this stay-at-home order is lifted.  So my only piano student is my daughter, Tava.  Or I should say WAS Tava.  No, she didn’t quit.  Ha!  Like that’s an option. Nope, she just gained two more peers—Filimone & Lia.  That’s right, big bro and big sis.  When you’re laying around watching YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus you got too much time on your hands.

As I was playing a duet with Tava and noticing how natural her fingers look on the piano keys I’m thinking, “That’s gotta be hereditary.”  I taught the other two as few years ago but I was more inconsistent and less patient.  Of course, I was pregnant and had a newborn nine months later so I was sleep deprived too. “I got that under control now.  I should be good.”  I thought.  Tava and I run through her practice songs for the week and finish up with a duet.  Nifai is such a great piano assistant.  He knows just when to test the focus of young piano students by playing “itsy bitsy spider” right on the keys (and sometimes the hands of the pianist).

After Tava‘a lesson I call out, “Filimone!”  “Yeah?” the reply.  “Get over here, you’re  my next victim!” 😆 He comes dragging his feet but with a grin, like he just got busted stealing cookies from the cookie jar.  “C’mon,” I say, “let’s see what you remember.”  So we begin.  Yup, he’s a natural.  Perfect fingers, position could use some work but he’s got good pitch while he’s singing along with the notes he plays.  Nifai claps and counts the rhythm with him then decides to beatbox along with his brother’s song.  30 minutes and four songs later I’m giving him a high five and assigning two practice songs for the week.  That should keep him busy another 20 minutes each day,

“Lia!”  I bellow.  “Coming!” She calls, that’s my girl.  “You’re next!” I tell her.  “Why? I never agreed to this,” she pleads.  Oh please.  When does that hold any water with a parent?  “Well, you guys do lots of things you don’t agree with.  Plus I’ve been putting “music” on your b homeschool schedule and haven’t heard you do smithing with it. Sooooo, you get me.  Back straight, feet flat on the floor, fingers curved.”  And then we’re in it.  She has to be reminded of a few things—sharps, tied notes, and “what’s that dot next to the note mean?”  Dotted half note, it gets the beats.  “Oh, right!”  I saw smiling, laughing, concentration and those same piano fingers that are so beautiful to me.  I know they don’t necessary want me to teach them, but I could tell they enjoyed the challenge of it.  And my kids L.O.V.E. music.  Nifai even some supportive rhythm  clapping and counting during their lesson.  Not to mention his own drum accompaniment.  Maybe that’s why Lia has to concentrate so hard.

I forgot to mention, we started piano lessons at 9:30pm and finished at 11pm.  I think all five of us felt more accomplished with our day.  Especially Nifai, the most musical of us all.

Do yourself a favor and teach your kids something you might normally pay someone else to teach them.  Save money, make memories, and strengthen your relationships by DIY.