Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "Lloyd and Joey"A music and dance teacher's improvization
36 total reviews
Comment from Debbie Pope
The common thread with these two stories is terrible parenting. Sounds like Joey has enough talent and integrity to survive and blossom. I can't say as much for Lloyd. He probably grew into the jerk that he is.
My three children each took over 10 years of piano. My oldest daughter double majored in piano and English. I am totally familiar with the flux of practice. I always took them to their teacher's house. You get much more involved with dysfunctional family life when you go to their houses. Your stories are fascinating because you give us snippets of people's lives. And you tell it well. Plus, you clearly care and that is heartwarming.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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The common thread with these two stories is terrible parenting. Sounds like Joey has enough talent and integrity to survive and blossom. I can't say as much for Lloyd. He probably grew into the jerk that he is.
My three children each took over 10 years of piano. My oldest daughter double majored in piano and English. I am totally familiar with the flux of practice. I always took them to their teacher's house. You get much more involved with dysfunctional family life when you go to their houses. Your stories are fascinating because you give us snippets of people's lives. And you tell it well. Plus, you clearly care and that is heartwarming.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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I couldn't appreciate this review more, Debbie, because you totally get the gist of it.
I think it helps immensely to go into these children's homes for lessons because then I understand more quickly and solidly what makes them tick; I'm not guessing.
And when I go into their homes, I can't help but care more because I become part of the family routine. It's almost like, "Oh, Aunt Shelley's here for her weekly visit," you know? I know the pets, I see when there's a new couch, I hear the parents arguments sometimes. It's very intimate. I feel as if it's the world's best gig and if I'm so lucky to have it as my real-life 'work.'
Anyway, I really appreciate all your words. Your reviews are more like wonderful visits from a friend. xo
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I think that it would be fun to immerse myself in people's lives. It does take your relationship to another level.
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Absolutely. And it makes a person feel rich with the trust that's bestowed, too.
Comment from Joy Graham
Oh yes, I have been there during my own days of teaching piano lessons. I used to tell certain students that one day I was going to write a book about all the excuses students have given me for not practicing. While reading your post for today some images of certain families popped into my mind. I agree with you, sometimes it is better for these students to try a different teacher. I know I didn't connect with all my teachers. I needed to shop around to find the right personality. I needed an encourager. My own daughter drove me crazy when she wouldn't practice, yet she'd walk onto the stage at a music festival and walk away with first places.
I enjoyed reading your post today. You and I have much in common as music teaching sisters. You carry on while I retired. Keep writing to us.
Joy xx
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Oh yes, I have been there during my own days of teaching piano lessons. I used to tell certain students that one day I was going to write a book about all the excuses students have given me for not practicing. While reading your post for today some images of certain families popped into my mind. I agree with you, sometimes it is better for these students to try a different teacher. I know I didn't connect with all my teachers. I needed to shop around to find the right personality. I needed an encourager. My own daughter drove me crazy when she wouldn't practice, yet she'd walk onto the stage at a music festival and walk away with first places.
I enjoyed reading your post today. You and I have much in common as music teaching sisters. You carry on while I retired. Keep writing to us.
Joy xx
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Of course you would know that better than most, Joy: piano lessons are SO very intimate, because of their one-on-one nature, that your personalities MUST mesh or there will be no success.
That's so interesting about your daughter. Those kinds of kids make everyone crazy: you're amazed at their abilities, but you so wish they had to work more for the achievement.
PS That WOULD make a hilarious book: Students' Excuses for Not Practicing. Hahahaha. I bet you have some doozies! The one that stands out for me is, "I couldn't practice this week because my family and I were at our chalet all weekend." (I'm serious...and they really did own a chalet in a nearby ski resort town!)
Anyway, thank you for this really nice review. I love it. xo
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I remember a student didn't do her theory homework because her dog peed on her book. The book smelled of dog pee and I didn't want to touch it. Yech!
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Oy! That's bad.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Oh, the Lloyds of the world grow up and become insolent, unruly high school students that control their parents through sheer exasperation.... believe me, I know. And the Joeys break your heart every time... and there's really nothing you can do....even reading this, I have small tears at some memories.
A very well-written collection, Lady Rachelle - with a reminder that life really sux from different angles and we should be thankful for the flaws in our own because there are others so much worse off.. :/ ;/ Thanx for sharing! ;) Yvette
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Oh, the Lloyds of the world grow up and become insolent, unruly high school students that control their parents through sheer exasperation.... believe me, I know. And the Joeys break your heart every time... and there's really nothing you can do....even reading this, I have small tears at some memories.
A very well-written collection, Lady Rachelle - with a reminder that life really sux from different angles and we should be thankful for the flaws in our own because there are others so much worse off.. :/ ;/ Thanx for sharing! ;) Yvette
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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So well put, Yvette. Because we're of the 'noticing' kind, we're also of the 'so appreciative for what we have' tribe, as well.
This was such a loving, warm review to read. Thank you. xo
Comment from Gail Denham
Oh these were truly compelling stories. Some of your best. The little beast of a kid who needed discipline awful bad - and the poor boy who was not granted a good future until he could leave home I think. Well done.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Oh these were truly compelling stories. Some of your best. The little beast of a kid who needed discipline awful bad - and the poor boy who was not granted a good future until he could leave home I think. Well done.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Thank you, Gail. I love the specifics of your feedback. That helps me know what 'connected' with a reader. I appreciate your warm and gracious review. xo
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
You can win them all, and sometimes you get sick of losing the good fight, but parents are in charge of their kids, whether monsters-in-training or potential creative geniuses you can't help but love. You, as a teacher, have nothing to say about their fate, which I learned long ago as a teacher myself. All I could do was support the kids during class time, and hope they survived the questionable parenting they had at home. I know you know all that, but I'm just saying I understand.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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You can win them all, and sometimes you get sick of losing the good fight, but parents are in charge of their kids, whether monsters-in-training or potential creative geniuses you can't help but love. You, as a teacher, have nothing to say about their fate, which I learned long ago as a teacher myself. All I could do was support the kids during class time, and hope they survived the questionable parenting they had at home. I know you know all that, but I'm just saying I understand.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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I knew exactly where you were coming from, and I couldn't appreciate it more, Phyllis. Thank you for knowing exactly how it feels in these situations. I bet you were a WONDERFUL educator. xo
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I did my best, and I know I helped many of the kids. One problem schools have, and maybe private teaching too, is teachers that care about earnings and not the kids. They should have chosen a different career. You wouldn't have had this experience, but I worked with dozens of other teachers, and about ten of those shared my lunch period. Some of the things these "teachers" said about the kids in their classrooms were shocking...until after a few years, I got used to it, accepting the world for what it is. The special ed (slow kids) teacher made fun of how stupid her kids were and most of the teachers at the table laughed with her. Yes, MOST of them. Other teachers shared complaints about the "problem" kids they "got stuck with" and it was obvious those poor kids had a bad situation in school as well as at home.
One boy I had in my third grade, Ronnie, came with warnings from his second grade teacher. When he acted up, the first thing I did (no yelling, for I was prepared) was to hug him. He settled down immediately, actually smiled, and wouldn't let go of me. THAT tells you everything. But most teachers try to discipline problem kids, without trying love first. Usually, that's all they really need.
Why isn't that included in teacher ed classes in college??? Maybe because educators themselves never tried it and don't know it... and don't believe it if you try to tell them. Until teachers sign up out of caring and wanting to help kids, things won't change. No wonder there is so much crime as these kids grow up.
Getting down off my soapbox now.
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Oy. That is a horrible vignette about the teachers during the lunch period.
My mentor, Ann, taught me what you knew: "The children who 'deserve' your love the least are the ones who need it the most." She was exceptional, too, and taught me SO much about incorporating love and teaching from love. Children WANT to make us happy; they just need to know how to do that.
Thank you for this WONDERFUL review - soapbox and all. xo
Comment from Mark Valentine
Been away for a while and trying to catch up on a little of what I've missed. This is such a great collection. My daughter just finished her first year of teaching fourth grade and we was wondering "what will become of (insert name here)?"
I think that kind of wondering is a good trait in teachers - it's always good to know that we are held in someone else's mind and I think kids know that there are certain adults who will do that even after they are gone.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Been away for a while and trying to catch up on a little of what I've missed. This is such a great collection. My daughter just finished her first year of teaching fourth grade and we was wondering "what will become of (insert name here)?"
I think that kind of wondering is a good trait in teachers - it's always good to know that we are held in someone else's mind and I think kids know that there are certain adults who will do that even after they are gone.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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I've missed you and your wonderful writing. So glad you're back on.
I agree with you: kids know who the teachers are who have a 'calling' and those who just have 'a job.' I loved reading that your daughter is obviously in Group A.
Thanks for the review, Mark, and welcome back!
Comment from Debra White
Hi Rachelle :)
Saturday mornings certainly have caused you more than a fair share of grief over the years... Your first section about Lloyd amused me (what a brat!) and the second section about Joey moved me (poor kid...) I do hope that some day you will see Joey and be settled to find out that he's ok.
Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy reading your experiences.
Best wishes as always, Debra :) x
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Hi Rachelle :)
Saturday mornings certainly have caused you more than a fair share of grief over the years... Your first section about Lloyd amused me (what a brat!) and the second section about Joey moved me (poor kid...) I do hope that some day you will see Joey and be settled to find out that he's ok.
Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy reading your experiences.
Best wishes as always, Debra :) x
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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My Little Voice has always told me that someday I WILL see Joey again...and my instincts are usually spot-on, so I take solace in that.
Thanks, as always, for your warm, encouraging review. xo
Comment from A. Willow Bends
I do not even KNOW how to comment on this one. Superior. Certainly one of your best pieces ever. To put stories in was absolutely genius and while they could have stood alone, you really knocked it out of the ballpark by putting them together. Great job! The last section tore me up by the way. Let's hope he was a survivor kid and goes on to do great things, which he most certainly will in my mind and heart.
Wendy
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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I do not even KNOW how to comment on this one. Superior. Certainly one of your best pieces ever. To put stories in was absolutely genius and while they could have stood alone, you really knocked it out of the ballpark by putting them together. Great job! The last section tore me up by the way. Let's hope he was a survivor kid and goes on to do great things, which he most certainly will in my mind and heart.
Wendy
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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I was thinking of you most of all when I posted the tale about Joey, Wendy, because I knew it would eat at you in a big way. We'll both put in our Good Karma vibes for him, and hopefully that will help his chances. And if I ever come across him, you will be the first person I tell. xo
Thank you for this great review.
Comment from Heather Knight
The story about Lloyd and his antics made me laugh, even though if you think about it, it's sad.
But the story about Joey made me sad. How can there be such horrible parents?
Thanks for sharing another very enjoyable post.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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The story about Lloyd and his antics made me laugh, even though if you think about it, it's sad.
But the story about Joey made me sad. How can there be such horrible parents?
Thanks for sharing another very enjoyable post.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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Yes, those were BOTH tough Saturday morning lessons, just, as you said, in very different ways.
Thank you for your terrific review, Maria. xo
Comment from LisaMay
We readers get an insight into how both those kids and sets of parents were lucky to have you in their lives. I am sure your input would have a lingering effect. You write with love, compassion, patience, strategic bargaining, indignation at injustice... wonderful characteristics of a natural-born tutor.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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We readers get an insight into how both those kids and sets of parents were lucky to have you in their lives. I am sure your input would have a lingering effect. You write with love, compassion, patience, strategic bargaining, indignation at injustice... wonderful characteristics of a natural-born tutor.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2019
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In Lloyd's case, I just figured G-d gave me a sense of humor...and then He gave me Lloyd so it wouldn't go to waste!
Thanks for this lovely review, LisaMay. xo
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...and now he's given you ME so it doesn't go to waste!
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He might even need to increase my dose...
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Yeah... up your game, woman.