Piano

I liked the piano from an early age – a slightly overpowering yet kind character, situated in our main living room.  I would sit quite happily, swinging my legs on the stool  as I picked out songs that I sang in the local drama group.  Quietly but earnestly encouraged by my Mother, I began learning to read music.  Between her own piano study books and my Father’s past purchases of ‘hit parade’ sheet music, we had a quite a pile! 

Friday nights became actual lesson nights, whereby Mum would teach me scales and I would learn a new piece.  I remember her showing me the nursery rhyme book she had found in the pile.  The first tune was about a cat, and I wanted to start with the one about a dog which was further on!   Of course she let me.  We had some fun on those nights, as I would get giggly and Mum would have no hope of getting any sensible playing out of me!

When she thought I was ready, she arranged lessons for me from one of her friends who was a music teacher.   My Saturday morning lie-ins were no more! 

Into my teens, I enjoyed the synthesized sounds of the 80’s, but playing those songs on our upright piano was not satifsfying at all!  So I was made up when my parents agreed to buying me a keyboard one Christmas.  I loved it.  My knowledge of left hand chords increased and my own collection of chart song books began!

Weekly piano lessons continued however, and I made my way up through the classical and theory grades.  And through several different teachers.  I did enjoy my piano studies, but they were not without a few dispondent moments and a large amount of pushing from Mum.  Dad was just happy when I played for him, and listened intently to how the conversation was going if I mentioned giving up!  Basically it wasn’t really an option, and I’m glad.

In my own home now, with my own family, I have gone through a couple of Yamaha Clavinovas.   I can quite easily spend a few hours playing through those old 80’s songs along with the songs of today.  I also enjoy playing classical pieces by modern composers  like Einaudi and Yiruma.  Hubby has a go sometimes and Dan & Suzie have completed their Grades 1 and 2 respectively. 

I still revisit my old classical pieces – but I think Mum & Dad would have liked my new ones.