I don't play violin, but I love it. I have been to all of my children's music lessons taking notes and asking questions to the teachers. I've learned a lot from each of them. When I was a child I played piano for about five years, so I can read music if it's not too difficult, but that's about it.
I tell my son all the things that his teacher told him to do. A lot of time, he can't remember the details of the lessons because he is so caught up in a moment. That's why I take notes and videotape the lessons and listen to the music he's working on. Fortunately, I have a very good memory, so I can remember how his teacher demonstrated certain parts of the piece even without the video (of course I watch the videotape to make sure if everything I remember is correct). After 6 years of violin lessons for my son, I think I finally got what the right posture is and what needs to be watched for tone, phrasing and so on. Mr. K even jokingly told me if anyone in my area wants to take a violin lesson, he would recommend me:) knowing that I can't play violin. I took my son's violin and try to play simple G scale. I couldn't do it. It is sooo hard!!! I can tell my left hand is tensed and my bow not straight, but my body won't listen to me. I even tried to play "Twinkle" with a lot of out-of-tune notes. I didn't tell my son, but it is way easier to tell him what to do than doing it myself:)
I may try to learn it again when my confidence comes back:) But till then, I think I'll remain my son's at-home teacher who can't play violin:)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Teacher who can't play violin?
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4 comments:
Good for you. My mom helped me a lot, even though she's practically tone deaf. She just did what the teacher said and had me do things over if they didn't seem to her to be quite right.
I think parent involvement is very important in instrument study especially when they are young because they don't always know the answer to a problem. That's when a parent can help either asking his/her teacher or research for them. Hopefully, they will appreciate us one of these days even though we are pain in the neck to them right now:)
I was my daughter's teacher AND parent for nine years, so I was a very big pain in the neck. Now I am more of a sword of Damocles. If she messes up I will be on her. I do think she's grateful that she can do something special, and she's made enough money to buy a car, too.
Wow! That is so nice that you were able to teach her! I know it is very difficult to be a teacher for your own child. I've seen some people going through it, but the benefit is greater, I think. You are able to really keep a close eye on some of the important things she has to watch out. I am so envious!! I saw a young cellist whose father was her teacher and witnessed how he coaches her through the competition. He was giving her guidance in every note possible. No wonder she was sooo good!
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