Archive for May, 2007
May 25th, 2007
The recital went very well. My kids played beautifully and I’m very proud of them.
I’ve been working like crazy this week planning a friend’s wedding, and now Thomas and I are moments away from leaving for a short trip to Charlotte to see my dad and pick up some things from both of my grandparents’ houses. Then it’s back here Saturday night so I can lead worship on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon is more wedding planning with Sarah and Mom. Then Monday we’re taking the moms to see Pirates 3 for their birthdays, which are a little more than a week apart.
Should be a fun weekend, though I think at this point I would prefer to just rest.
May 16th, 2007
I have a question. Do parents seriously think that their kids understand the value of practicing piano? Do they think children are naturally self-motivated? Do they really think an eight-year-old will think “I really don’t want to practice piano, but I know that with a little hard work and perseverance I can achieve excellence in musicianship”? What makes them think that piano practice is any different than homework? They don’t let their kids only do their homework when they “feel” like it. They would never let their kids quit doing their chores because they don’t really think they like it anymore.
I just wish parents would understand that I can only teach their kids new things if the old things are learned. That playing piano is only fun when work is done during the week. That they are called piano “lessons” and not piano “practice” for a reason. That it might take actually making your kid practice to get him to see what he can accomplish if he only tries. My most improved students (and, incidently, the ones who enjoy lessons the most) are the ones whose parents have them practice at the same time every day. Coincidence?
And one more completely unrelated thing…I have determined that, since Trader Joe’s is a step or two above your average neighborhood grocery store, its customers are snootier, ruder, and even less considerate than even your Harris Teeter customers. I have never seen so many people blocking entire aisles because they think they have the right. I even had one lady practically push my cart out of the way because I was standing in front of what she wanted to look at…I was looking at it too, by the way.
So I’ve decided I shouldn’t go to Trader Joe’s by myself anymore. I need distraction to keep from having little fits of aisle-rage.
That is all.
May 11th, 2007
I finally got my students’ recital scheduled. It’s going to be on Monday, May 21st at 6:30 PM. If you’re potentially interested in attending, please send me a message and I’ll give you further details.
May 3rd, 2007
Busy busy busy
Saturday marks wedding number 2 in the summer of weddings (mine was number 1), and I’m practicing music like mad. Saturday is also my sister-in-law’s college graduation, which I’m having to miss, and the long-awaited Cinco de Amy party, which I will arrive at fashionably late. I’m also back leading worship for the first time since February this Sunday and will probably be forced to sleep the whole rest of Sunday because I will not be able to do anything to keep my eyes open.
I’m also waiting to hear back from the receptionist at St. Michael’s about a piano recital for my students and trying to get myself pumped for reading through the whole Bible in 90 days starting May 14. If anyone thinks they might want to join me, just let me know. FYI, I think you have to be a little crazy to take on that much reading in just a summer, but it should be cool nevertheless.
Marriage is good, though I think I need to develop a better system for getting laundry and dishes done. Right now it’s wait until you don’t have any clothes or dishes, then do them because you don’t have a choice, and I’m not a big fan of the method.
That’s it, I think. ‘Til next time…