Not a "hockey mom" but a "music lesson-mom"

Just when I start contemplating whether or not I want to keep driving to, paying for, and sacrificing valuable family time for piano lessons and nagging 4 of my 5 kiddos to practice, Jensen runs in the door from school and says "I am going to practice my piano right now 'cuz I couldn't wait all day- I kept thinking about how much I wanted to play this new piece - I just love it!"



She is playing "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.



Brent just commented to me the other day that Tanner has really improved a lot lately too. He is playing The All American Reject's "It Ends Tonight". I can't believe it! He is really getting good. Our goal when we started him a year and a half ago is that he would be able to play the hymns by the time he leaves to go on a mission and I can see it happening now! They both read music way better than me or Brent. It's a small miracle that I am grateful for. Maybe the sacrifice is worth it. (BTW, he wasn't exactly THRILLED that I am posting that he plays the piano because he doesn't think it is "cool" to play but I told him my fellow bloggers would not divulge this secret. Keep it under your hats ladies.)



This last picture is to show you how where Zeus is while the kids practice every day. He goes in and hangs out in the living room while they play. Apparantly he is a music enthusiast.

Question: How many of you are "music lesson moms" that keep perservering or had a "music lesson mom" growing up that nagged you about practicing and now you are glad. I REALLY wish my mom had put me in lessons when I was a kid. Undortunately we couldn't afford it. I think I might take piano myself next year when Brady is in preschool three days a week. Is that crazy?

Comments

Kim said…
I am a music lesson, soccer Mom. It is alot of time and it is a big commitment, but I figure just about anything worth while takes time and effort. Hopefully, some day they will grateful for having a "nagging" Mom!!
My mom was a "music lesson mom." I am grateful now because I can play (not always good but I can) when I am needed. I can't wait till I have to space and money to get a piano, I would love to fine tune my playing some more. Anyways, they will be glad later, don't worry!
Bethanne said…
I'm so grateful that Dan's mom was a music mom...because I think his being able to play the piano is totally sexy. Maybe too much information, but I'm grateful for it! I played the clarinet, but didn't continue thru high school...
Amanda said…
I took piano for a year or 2....I HATED it I did not have a fun teacher and I was in 4th grade. I begged everyday to stop...I cried and cried about it. Finally they gave in:) I wish I would have continued NOW as I look back. But at that point I really dreaded every lesson and practice time! It is so cool Jensen and Tanner are learning to enjoy it a bit:) When I used to have time I enjoy trying to pic at songs a bit. They will be glad they had lessons:) And I am sure their teacher is nicer than mine was!
shahna said…
Amanda: You are absolutely right. They really like their new teachers. It especially helped last year when Tanner had a guy (Mr. Hoagland) who was actually a member of a band. He played gigs at night. Hoagland has gone on to bigger and better things but he kinda helped break the piano man stereotype for Tanner. Not totally but somewhat. Jensen is getting to a point where she likes piano so much more because she can play more contemporary stuff. They have her working on current country music hits from Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill right now and she loves that.
When we get a piano (some day) I'm taking lessons too.
Brianne said…
I had a piano lesson mom... in fact she still teaches piano lessons, along with my older sister, in Allen. Although she didn't teach us (tried, but it doesn't work) she made sure that all 5 of her kids took at least a year of piano lessons (only the boys didn't want to continue on). That's awesome that Jensen is excited about it now... learning contemporary songs you already know and love really helps! Tanner's secret is safe with me, but like Bethanne said, tell him girls will really like his piano skills later in life!
Brooke said…
This post is deja vu for me. . . We have talked about Mike playing the piano. I think it's great tanner plays. He can come listen to mike any time!

My mom forced me to take piano lessons from the time I was five until I was sixteen. I stopped after that, but wish I had kept going. I am glad my mom made me. I hated it for her during, but I am thankful I am able to play the piano today IN HOME IN PRIVACY ONLY!!!

Mike had a year of lessons, just all natural talent on his part. . . kind of sick :)

I am going to attempt to eat some soup. I haven't eaten anything but slim fast today, and am wanting to go to bed on a full stomach! But I feel pretty good! Thanks for checking!
Anonymous said…
That is a very smart decision from you and your kids...Every sunday I just hear how wonderful the brothers and sisters play the piano and I wish I can play it. So in a couple months you're going to be a proud mom of your kids when they play the piano at church.
Bree said…
I don't know which is more astounding; the kids willingly practicing, or the size of that DOG! WHEW!

My mom made me take about 6 years. I HATED it. HATE. I only had eyes for dance (go figure.) Long story short, she let me quit at 12, I don't remember the first thing about piano, and I can't say that I regret quitting. I mean sure, for church things it would come in handy occasionally, but if she hadn't let me focus on what I really had a passion for- I never would have had the future in dance that I was fortunate to experience! I found it more beneficial to go full boar with dance rather than dividing my time, trying to be just OK at both... but that's just one school of thought. :)
Chesney said…
I remember when I started taking piano at 6 years old. I hated the practicing and practicing. I am so glad I stuck with it. It has paid off. What a fun talent that they will use for the rest of their lives!
Sarah said…
so thankful for piano lessons!!! sometimes playing the piano is the only thing that gets me through the day-- its has also been one of the best ways to serve-- i must admit that i wish i had practiced more-- i still need to practice more cause i'm not that great- i can play most him with lots of practice :D
Anonymous said…
Renae took piano for a couple of years before deciding to quit and take violin lessons. I am grateful for my sister-in-law whose kids all took piano because it was their skill on the piano that made Renae want to go back to it. She earned two Outstanding Performer awards for State UIL Piano competitions her Junior and Senior years of high school. Renae's example has in turn made Katie want to follow in her footsteps. Hopefully it will rub off on Jenna who is struggling. Aaron was a lost cause, but he wishes he could play now, so tell Tanner to keep it up!
Bobvila said…
Was Tanner at the BYU fireside last week? One of the football players played an excellent piano solo and then accompanied the rest of the players in a song. So, playing the piano can be cool...
shahna said…
I might just have to remind him of that next time he rolls his eyes at me for reminding him to practice. Thanks Amy for the ammo!

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