Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Prologue "My Own Piano Lesson Experience"A music and dance teacher's improvization
24 total reviews
Comment from Bill Pinder
I like that description that the lady has an unpredictable love of yelling.
Great line about acquiring a skill under duress that you can use later to your own advantage. Sometimes it's hard to focus on our skills due to other problems going on.
That is another great insight about the communication being an art that is missing in a lot of families and it greatly affects the kids.
Great example of how an experience with a negative adult can cause us to give up something that is part of our gifting, at least temporarily.
That is another great statement that we do not need to endure constant derision and pain.
Great writing some excellent life lessons!
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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I like that description that the lady has an unpredictable love of yelling.
Great line about acquiring a skill under duress that you can use later to your own advantage. Sometimes it's hard to focus on our skills due to other problems going on.
That is another great insight about the communication being an art that is missing in a lot of families and it greatly affects the kids.
Great example of how an experience with a negative adult can cause us to give up something that is part of our gifting, at least temporarily.
That is another great statement that we do not need to endure constant derision and pain.
Great writing some excellent life lessons!
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Bill, for seizing on every single point I was trying to get across. We'll add this to my ever-burgeoning list of why I love to read reviews from you. xo
Comment from 24chas
No doubt a sixer, Rachelle. What an interesting early life you had, and how it developed you into the strong person you are today. I see where your toughness came from in the dark days. I love this part: Lesson: It is not brave to endure perpetual derision and pain. With as many life-affirming alternatives as there are in the world, it is both unnecessary and foolish. I think I need to memorize this passage. Great job, my friend.
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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No doubt a sixer, Rachelle. What an interesting early life you had, and how it developed you into the strong person you are today. I see where your toughness came from in the dark days. I love this part: Lesson: It is not brave to endure perpetual derision and pain. With as many life-affirming alternatives as there are in the world, it is both unnecessary and foolish. I think I need to memorize this passage. Great job, my friend.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Yeah, that was a big one, but it's one that applies forever.
Thanks for the tender review, 24chas. I always appreciate your feedback. xo
Comment from Scarbrems
How wonderful it is to find that thing you are good at, and someone who instils that passion in you like Mrs Brenner, and how terrible it was nearly taken from you by hideous people. I can't wait to read about your life in Opera.
'there was a huge, old, upright piano with keys like a set of decaying dentures' - don't think you need the commas in this sentence.
A great read. I look forward to the next chapter.
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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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How wonderful it is to find that thing you are good at, and someone who instils that passion in you like Mrs Brenner, and how terrible it was nearly taken from you by hideous people. I can't wait to read about your life in Opera.
'there was a huge, old, upright piano with keys like a set of decaying dentures' - don't think you need the commas in this sentence.
A great read. I look forward to the next chapter.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Once again, Sarkems, you give me that warm rush from 'getting' out of my piece exactly what I hoped I was conveying.
Thanks, too, for the edit. I always appreciate your having my back in that area. xo
Comment from Mark Valentine
First of all, I love the title of the book (Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" has always been one of my favorite albums). It always amazes me how memoirs, in the hands of a good writer, are so fascinating and reinforce the truth that all lives are interesting, not just those of the rich and famous.
So much to like here - my favorite parts are the pauses that highlight 'lessons'.
There's also the humor - like pointing out that, to a child, thirty is old.
There is the truth that children's judgment's of adult's character are often more astute than the judgments of adults (they say that about dog's judgments too, I don't know if that's true, but I like to believe it because dogs tend to like me).
Then there's the role music can play in one's life. I am so glad that we gave (or paid for others to give) music lessons to our children - music was a saving grace in their school years and continues to be an important part of their lives.
Then there is you. I'm sure many of us, who grew up in the days of youre (for me, the sixties) will relate to doing as you're told and being seen not heard. I love that underneath that, there was a voice of self-confidence and defiance expressed here in thoughts such as "I played two instruments, took ballet lessons every week, and was a Junior Girl Scout in good standing. Barbaric, my ass! "
I look forward to reading the rest of this wonderful memoir.
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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First of all, I love the title of the book (Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" has always been one of my favorite albums). It always amazes me how memoirs, in the hands of a good writer, are so fascinating and reinforce the truth that all lives are interesting, not just those of the rich and famous.
So much to like here - my favorite parts are the pauses that highlight 'lessons'.
There's also the humor - like pointing out that, to a child, thirty is old.
There is the truth that children's judgment's of adult's character are often more astute than the judgments of adults (they say that about dog's judgments too, I don't know if that's true, but I like to believe it because dogs tend to like me).
Then there's the role music can play in one's life. I am so glad that we gave (or paid for others to give) music lessons to our children - music was a saving grace in their school years and continues to be an important part of their lives.
Then there is you. I'm sure many of us, who grew up in the days of youre (for me, the sixties) will relate to doing as you're told and being seen not heard. I love that underneath that, there was a voice of self-confidence and defiance expressed here in thoughts such as "I played two instruments, took ballet lessons every week, and was a Junior Girl Scout in good standing. Barbaric, my ass! "
I look forward to reading the rest of this wonderful memoir.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Ahhh, Mark. I absolutely love this review. You spent so much time with it, and your specifics help me understand so well what "works" and "connects" with readers. I can't thank you enough for that, as well as your warm and gracious comments and encouragement. Thank you. xo