Piano

Almost every week I take Meg and Cameron to piano lessons at Mrs. Meek's.  She attends my parents church and has a son that I went to high school with.  Brett took lessons from her as well starting in second grade.  I always wanted to play the piano, but was never able to.  I was happy when Brett showed an interest.  We inherited Doug's grandmother's piano and it has been used for over ten years.  Brett has since stopped taking lessons when he became busy with drama and academic superbowl.  Meg also started in second grade.  Mrs. Meek likes them to be fluent readers before they start.  Cameron started a little earlier, but as most youngest children he does everything he can to keep up with his older siblings.

Besides their love of music I believe that another important reason that the Heinisch piano players enjoy taking lessons is because of the relationship they have formed with their teacher.  She follows their interests, listens to their stories, adjusts her schedule for them, and when they hit a rough patch with their music she finds ways for them to persevere.  This was apparent most recently as Cameron wasn't sure he wanted to stick with lessons.  He thought that his time might be better spent at the golf course.  Cal never took lessons, so that was also part of his argument.

I encouraged him to try for a little while longer and once we got there, Mrs. Meek took over.  She got out the electronic keyboard, helped pick a new song to try and away they went.  This week was different.  He was ready to go.  Meg was first and filled her in on their big adventure at Six Flags yesterday.  She listened, asked questions and by the end of the lesson had them ready for the start of school next week.  They know where her water glasses are, the dog bones for Lilly, how to handle the quiet dog, Izzy, and to keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.  As long as she wants to teach them, I'll keep making the 30 minute trek to her home.