Because he enjoys music so much, I have for the past several years encouraged Padawan Learner to consider taking music lessons, but he was never interested in learning an instrument and only liked singing [...]]]> “Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. ” – The Emperor, Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

Because he enjoys music so much, I have for the past several years encouraged Padawan Learner to consider taking music lessons, but he was never interested in learning an instrument and only liked singing for recreation. So I backed off. I’m so glad I did, too, because he decided to take piano lessons last fall and is doing very well at it. Best of all, he really enjoys playing the piano and always looks forward to his lesson every Friday morning. There’s no nagging, no drudgery, and no avoidance.

Here’s his second piano recital, from yesterday afternoon. He was so calm and collected in front of everyone! He said he gets really relaxed when he’s nervous, how nice is that? He must have been terrified then, because he didn’t show it at all. (Sorry about the poor image, it was like a cave inside the building!)

Padawan Learner had his first piano recital this afternoon. He started playing this fall. I’m proud of him for playing so well, for managing his apprehension about [...]]]> “He can see things before they happen. That’s why he appears to have such quick reflexes. It’s a Jedi trait. ” – Qui-Gon Jinn, Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace

Padawan Learner had his first piano recital this afternoon. He started playing this fall. I’m proud of him for playing so well, for managing his apprehension about starting an instrument later than his friends did, and for getting past his fear of playing in front of people he didn’t know. He made one little mistake, joked about it after he sat back down, and seemed glad to have participated. We went out to dinner afterwards to celebrate, and we let him pick the place.