Music Mornings and Joseph's First Lesson

Over the years, while studying with our wonderful music studio, we have shifted what days and how we organize our music lessons. This week, we've made another change: Music Morning Wednesdays at our home!

Both teachers will come to our home and, in a carefully orchestrated schedule, teach four children piano, three children music theory, and one child violin. (This is only possible because we have so many students and live extremely close to their home studio, plus we have two pianos, which they need for the lessons.)

I made a Music Learning corner in the dining room, where we have the upright piano, the violin, and a bookshelf of theory materials and composer studies.

The children are currently writing essays on composers of the Baroque period for a playing-and-writing competition upcoming next month.

10:00-10:15 Joseph in Piano, Margaret in Theory

10:15-10:45 Margaret in Piano, Mary in Theory, John babysitting little boys

10:45-11:30 Mary in Piano, John in Theory, Margaret babysitting little boys

11:30-12:15 John in Piano, Mary in Violin, three youngest watching TV

Meanwhile, I was racing about rapidly, sitting briefly with each student during each lesson, taking notes on that week's lesson and homework, breaking up little boy fights, nursing the baby, changing diapers, and preparing snacks/lunch. It was a busy but very productive schedule!

Margaret learning Theory

And in extra exciting news: Joseph (4-1/2) began piano lessons today! He has been asking to take piano with Mr. J--- since Joseph was a toddler in arms. By 12 months old or so, each week, Joseph would indicate he wanted to plink the keys on the piano when Mr. J---- would come to our home to teach lessons.  Mr. J---- would let him plink and Joseph would copy his rhythm or keys for a minute or two before we took him away. Now it's really his turn!

Joseph learning piano

Grampa Neil was such a big part of his grandchildren's music education: I wish he were alive to see the latest developments.