(Please ignore the fact that he looks like he'd been crying in that picture. He was still decompressing from a stressful day at school. David was quite excited about the recital, especially since there was going to be cookies afterwards, as he had reminded us hourly for the past week.)
David took a 10-week beginning piano class at a local arts studio. It's been wonderful. The teacher is a music therapist. So it was perfectly natural for her to include lots of movement and physicality, with an emphasis on connecting their whole bodies with music. She is also very comfortable with wiggles. So it was perfect for David! He was free to be expressive and enthusiastic.
The best part was giving David the opportunity to see that practice works. The first few weeks he really struggled with the coordination and dexterity in his fingers. But we pushed through the discomfort, and I encouraged (okay, forced) him to practice...and, like magic, the practice worked! By the third week of class, his fingers were comfortable, and he was able to breeze through the material. He felt proud of himself, and he could see the effects of a little practice. (Note: When I say, a "little" practice, I mean it. We're talking about 3 minutes 3 times a week. Which, to be perfectly honest, is what I averaged per week during my ten years of lessons. Sorry, Mrs. Swan.)
I spent the remaining seven weeks trying to convince him that you don't play with a hand in your pocket. David seems to think that whenever a hand is not in use, the perfect place for it is in his pocket. (What is it with little boys and pockets??) Watching him play is watching his right hand go in his pocket while his left hand plays a few notes, and then his left hand goes into his pocket while the right hand plays a few notes, and so on.
"David, get your hand out of your pocket! Leave it on the keys" "But I don't need it right now." "But you will in about 2 seconds, so just leave it where it needs to be!"
We made some progress. Some.
On the final day of class, the children had a little recital. As you will see, it was a brief, low-key affair (with cookies afterwards!!). It was just right.
David at his piano ...
The class performed a warm-up together. Video HERE. (Watch a few seconds to see just how wiggly David is. It's kind of funny.)
Then it was time for their solos. David performed "Lost Little Kitty," and he did a super job!! (This is the kid who a few months ago couldn't even get his fingers to play one key at a time.) Also, he did not put his hands in his pockets!! Not once! This is a HUGE accomplishment! Huge. HUGE. Video HERE. It is very sweet to me. (And did I mention he didn't put his hands in his pockets?)
Ta-duh!
We're so proud of David!
As a finale, the class played a song together. (One little boy couldn't make it, so the teacher filled in for him.) I love watching this video because it is so David! He flails and wiggles and grins and can't stand still--but he's totally into it and right on task. (Plus, he only put his hand in his pocket once!) Watch the finale HERE.
Then we ate cookies.
