I revisited an old friend today. The piano. I haven't had a lesson since I was 13. I walked up the stone path feeling really good about my decision to start lessons again. I didn't feel nervous or the least bit worried that I found this woman on craigslist. I see her apartment filled with flowers on the balcony and buzz her number. She called me Lauren at first which was fine, I corrected her right away. Too many traumatic experiences where people didn't call me the right name, so better correct right in the beginning eh? She opens the door and at first I have a sudden feeling of hmmm because she looks like one of those elder ladies that would be a tarot card reader psychic with her fire engine red hair and an Armenian accent. I walk in to her earthy spiritual home and she immediately says that I look like Mia Farrow. Such a complement:) She directs me next to the piano and as her introduction she plays for me. She played Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin by memory. I knew in that instant that she was my piano guru. The lesson was amazing. It was so Buddhist! She said that the piano is her meditation. She first teaches by ear because she figures that learning by ear is better than trying to first decipher notes on a page. She was so right. We started off with Russian scales from middle C. She had me close my eyes after a couple of times and I was amazed that I did it better than with eyes open. Wow. She told me about a famous Japanese Pianist who was born blind. It is amazing what the mind can do. I played simple songs by ear-ABC, Marry had a Little Lamb, and Brother John. I have a few exercises written by Czerny. Beethoven's prime student. I need to memorize by next week. Anyone have a keyboard they want to sell?
It is great getting back into music. I felt like the little girl of 8 years old revisiting my scales. I love music. I want to really express myself through this beautiful instrument.
Tibetan test was par. I didn't know the word for desire so that is the word of the week འདོད་པ་doo ba (umlaut the oo and go from low to high toned)
Enjoy the rest of the week!
This is awesome Rachel! I remember us sitting in your living room and playing on the huge grand piano. So many fond memories. I, too, have recently be considering starting lessons back up or just sitting back down and starting to play again. I think this is awesome! You sound happy and I hope all is well -- Keep in touch and much love.
ReplyDeleteLiz Cooper