Remembering Special Musical Moments

Music brings many special memories. My musical interest started in second grade when my grandmother taught me to play the piano.

As time progressed, I added the
clarinet to my musical interests so that I could participate in my JHS band. I'm very happy I did, because so many additional memories are now part of my heart. I loved all the instruments and tried to play all the band instruments.

I participated in the borough-wide band in the most awesome year -- we actually performed in Carnegie Hall. What an unbelievable experience I felt when I walked onto the stage and sat down to perform!

Another memory came from my senior year at high school. "The Sting" was a highlight in the movies. So, why not? We decided to perform it at our high school year-end concert. The audience was on fire. What a night!

And a very special memory was created when I was pregnant with my son. I performed one of my favorite piano pieces, Beethoven's Concerto No.5 at Steinway Hall. Who could ask for anything more!

Playing musical instruments bring such cherished memories. I don't know what I would do without these memories.

Teaching Our Children

As loving parents, we are always trying to teach our children something, from potty training to sports to music, etc. But are we teaching them in a way that they can learn effectively? Not always.

I've seen children being taught sports by their 'expert sports parents' and not learn well. When these same children were taught by professional trainers, they succeeded much better and more quickly.



Similar issues occur in music. How many music teachers get resistance from their children when they try to teach them music?




The steps used in training is critical to enable a child to succeed. It is the confidence that a parent gives a child that makes them able to keep trying and get back on the horse even when they fail to get it initially. Many specialists have shown that when one approach doesn't work, try a different approach, and that each child learns in a different way, and not necessarily in the same way that their parent learns or teaches.

Investing in Musical Instruments

Many children like to try all the instruments till they decide on their special one. Sometimes children give up on one instrument and get excited about another; it might be because they like performing in different types of events (orchestras for the string instruments, or trumpets for the bands and parades), or because they like the way one sounds over the other. Whatever the reasons, parents invest in purchasing the instruments. To save their budget, there are many wonderful starter instruments that give a child great quality at an affordable price. I remember trying out all the musical instruments in school, from trumpets to violins to flutes and drums. It is wonderful to be able to give a child the opportunity to play any instrument.