Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Dreams come true

Some of you may remember a while back a couple of years ago that I was trying to learn to play the piano.  Something I'd always wanted to do.  So we acquired a keyboard and a small mountain of beginner books and set to.  We practiced every day and thought we were doing pretty good.  Then, as life goes, something happened.  Our practicing was interrupted and never got back on track.

A few weeks ago, I joined a singing group so that I could  indulge my love of singing.  It's a pretty informal group and no one cares that I can't really carry a tune - unless I have lots of helpers.   But, wait!  We have an accompanist who teaches adults.  Should I do it?


Well, of course, I should.  How many opportunities like this come along?  I struggled for a week with excuses like: "I'm far too busy right now" and "It'll cost so much".  The truth was I was scared.  Scared to fail, scared to succeed.  So, as I do when presented with the deep end of the pool - I jumped!

I had my first lesson yesterday.  I may practice on a keyboard but my lessons are on a Steinway baby grand!  My progress in one half-hour was more than I'd made alone in a month.   I came home just glowing with accomplishment.  A good teacher makes all the difference.  Now to that practicing...

10 comments:

  1. Glad you are taking hold of your dreams.

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  2. Congratulations! I firmly believe that we never regret the things we do, just the things we postpone or avoid out of fear. Go for it!

    The word verification is 'hummit.' Seems appropriate!

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  3. that's great you're taking lessons! I hope you have fun! I played the piano for 10 years and it's actually a huge regret of mine that I didn't keep it up. I stopped when I was 18 and really have played it since. I think i could pick it back up through lessons, but reading music is not easy for me and i can't do the play by ear thing (SOO jealous of those who can!). I was just thinking i missed playing the piano last night, actually! Maybe one day i can take lessons again...
    Singing though...no one wants to hear me sing, ha!

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  4. Stephanie, I'm delighted for you!
    And fair play to you for jumping in- way to go girl!
    Taking up the French Horn 5 years ago (doesn't seem that long!) was one of my best recent decisions.
    When will you put up a video of you playing??

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  5. I'm very excited for you! Doesn't a good teacher just make all the difference? I can see where you would have been floundering on your own. Let me know the very first song you play all the way through!!!

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  6. Well there's nothing you can do now. You're hooked and you must, absolutely must, record your first recital and post it on your blog. Your piano vlog!

    I can't wait!

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  7. I AM SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!!
    And happy that you are having fun and appreciating your abilities!
    And guess what - I am taking piano lessons too! I start in 2 weeks when school is wrapped up.
    And I understand the scared feelings.. I know I will be periodically asking my teacher if I could just sing the scale instead of play it.
    Can't wait for the concert when I come to visit!

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  8. Good for you Stephanie for moving through the fear. I took some lessons about ten years ago for a awhile and enjoyed it too, until it got more challenging and I found the practicing wasn't really getting done. I recognize that book on the left. But a Steinway grand. Now that would be scary!

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  9. A good teacher, but also the desire makes the difference. Congratulations on your leap! =)

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