The Gift of Music
May 7, 2008There are many blessing that the Lord has bestowed upon me since moving back home with my parents. One of them is the beautiful gift of music. My mother is a piano teacher. When I was around 4 years old, she taught me the basic notes. I was a restless little monkey (as she likes to say) and wouldn’t stay still. Therefore, piano lessons had to be put on hold. When I was 8, I picked up piano again but only for a short time. I finished the 1st grade book. However, I wasn’t motivated and mom never pushed me. I never progressed any further. When I was in my junior or senior year in college, I can home during the Christmas break and decided to buy some piano books and start all over again. But when I got back to college, I never made time to practicse. My dorm had a piano in the lobby, but I was too shy to practice in front of everyone. Once again, nothing came of it.
However, around 8 weeks ago, the desire to play the piano once again resurfaced. Mom had been having some sucess with adult piano students with a series called “the Alfred Adult Series.” This series is amazing. It makes playing so fun. There are no stupid chidish songs and exercises. This series captured my attention. I have played an hour or more a day for almost 8 weeks straight. I have only missed about 2 days of practice during that whole time. In that short of a time, I am over half way through the 2nd book in the series.
Playing the piano is the only thing that I have been consistent with. Two of my weaknesses are discipline and consistency. They have always been my Achilles heel! My lack of them tortures my soul constantly. It is what constantly brings me before the throne of God. Nevertheless, God has chosen to bless me with discipline and consistency in this area.
Music has become a cathartic activity for me. When I am nervous or up tight, I play the piano. When I am depressed and want to go back to bed, I play the piano. It has been such a beautiful light unto my soul.
My heart sings for the gifts the Lord has bestowed upon me.
I’m just about to be envious. Our lives of piano lessons started out very similiar. Before I got very far I just couldn’t take the rapping of my fingers with a pencil when I didn’t get the right one on the right key. One ay I just had enough and announced to my mother that was it.
When I grew up I always regretted not being able to play for my own personal enjoyment. Unlike you, I never was able to return to it with the required discipline to learn how. I am very happy for your special gift from the Lord for I know what joy music adds to our singing heart that goes out to him in praise.
I was so sad e4unity that your piano teacher rapped your fingers. Music is not for perfection ( unless of course one is a professional) but for fun, and relaxation. I am very low key as a piano teacher and try to gently guide my students. My specialty is teaching adults and they are taking piano to simply enrich their lives. My oldest student is 68. She started in January and I’m so proud of her progress. The Alfred Series is wonderful. I hope you will purchase book one for adults and try again. I think you can purchase a cd for helps if you don’t have a piano teacher.
I’m so proud of Vera. She mostly pushes on her own. I will stop and help her with the hard points or play a piece for her that she is struggling with. However, she has been a self starter. What a joy that she has picked up her music again.
Nichole3
God bless you Nichole; you have a marvelous ministry. As Vera says so well, for those that can and will do the work, and are fortunate to have a teacher as gifted and patient as you seem to be, it is indeed a wonderful gift from God.
May you have many years and never lack for students in this marvelous work you are doing.
E4unity