Learning to play

The house I grew up in had a piano. Starting when we were four years old, a very patient and rather elderly gentleman came once a week to teach my twin and I how to play that piano. We took lessons for several years. Lil lasted longer than I did.  I quit at the first opportunity.

My sister had both natural aptitude and a desire to learn; I had neither, as the piano was not my choice of instrument. At the time, I was more interested in wind instruments. However, my life was definitely enriched by what I did learn. I discovered how to read music, differentiate between various instruments in orchestral arrangements, and eventually, how to learn a song by ear. I gained a broad appreciation for music and well-constructed songs.

And I can play the piano.

When my dad moved out of the house I grew up in, that piano came to my house, for my daughter Aya to learn on. At almost six years old, she has that same enthusiasm and excitement about learning to play music as my sister did – only Aya also wants to learn to sing and play the guitar as well. And thus, I face the dilemma of teaching her what she wants to learn.

She’s old enough to read now. I need to make time to teach her.