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 Jeffrey L. Michaux
It seems that their is always a Lloyd and a Joey somewhere that we encounter in our lives. The one is spoiled and feels a sense of entitlement, the other is someone not entitled, but, special and unforgettable. I'm in awe at your character, attitude, and fortitude. Lloyd would have tested the limits of my patience. You sound like an awesome, very caring and compassionate teacher who has had teachers that have brought out the best in you. They saw the measure and potential in you. You now see the potential in your students. I love music and singing. I use to play the flute and French horn in junior high. I couldn't read music. I just played it by ear. Thanks for sharing this inspirational and well written work. Well done.
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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It seems that their is always a Lloyd and a Joey somewhere that we encounter in our lives. The one is spoiled and feels a sense of entitlement, the other is someone not entitled, but, special and unforgettable. I'm in awe at your character, attitude, and fortitude. Lloyd would have tested the limits of my patience. You sound like an awesome, very caring and compassionate teacher who has had teachers that have brought out the best in you. They saw the measure and potential in you. You now see the potential in your students. I love music and singing. I use to play the flute and French horn in junior high. I couldn't read music. I just played it by ear. Thanks for sharing this inspirational and well written work. Well done.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Wow, Jeffrey - flute and French Horn are SO very different instruments! Only the best musicians play French Horn because it requires a superior ear for pitches. Do you still play either (or a different instrument) today? Are you in a chorus? (You mentioned singing.)
I just love words you chose: ("You sound like a...teacher who has had teachers that have brought out the best in you.") That is EXACTLY how I feel! I was SOO, so lucky to have been under the tutelage of the two women I was. They are the reason I love this gig so much. Thank you for noticing that. I love this review. xo
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Don't play them anymore. I love the trumpet and saxophone though. I'd like to learn how to play them.
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Well, trumpet and French horn aren't all that dissimilar, and sax is like clarinet, which has similar fingerings to flute!! So treat yourself to a summer of lessons!!! : )
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I may do something like that.
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I wish you would. You would have the best summer! You love music; it would bring you joy!
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I'll take that into consideration. I do love music, instruments, and singing. Thanks for the encouragement!
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My pleasure!!!
Comment from Thomas Bowling
Your story is experienced by teachers all over the world. I dah a private school. Whenever one of my pupils transferred to a public school, I had to argue with the school about grade placement. They ignored achievement and placed the student according to age.
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Your story is experienced by teachers all over the world. I dah a private school. Whenever one of my pupils transferred to a public school, I had to argue with the school about grade placement. They ignored achievement and placed the student according to age.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Oy. Immediate red flag. That must have been so hard for you to witness.
Thanks for the review, Thomas. I appreciate it.
Comment from royowen
I remember my daughter as a child, "goofing" off when practising her flute, she'd started when only 7. She balked constantly, and her teacher even said she wouldn't make it, (I considered her teacher as digging holes in the basement of her talent) 13 years later she was sitting next to her in a schoolteacher's band in the special music school as a teaching colleague, (I took up classical guitar and practised religiously as an example to my precious daughter) she went on to obtain a degree at our city's Conservatorium in music, she is incredibly gifted musically, but prefered to teach 1st and 2nd graders, opposed to performing. Although she's a wonderful vocalist, and performs regularly, a part time teacher and full time mum. But I agree with you, it's more up to the parents than the teacher, it's so sad that artists are foiled by parents from forging an artistic career and blessing an art starved world, beautifully written Rachelle, I understand how you feel and so does my wife, (and daughter) her three boys can't goof off from lessons and performing. Well done, I identify completely, blessjngs, Roy
Typo :.Isn't he a(t) stitch?
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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I remember my daughter as a child, "goofing" off when practising her flute, she'd started when only 7. She balked constantly, and her teacher even said she wouldn't make it, (I considered her teacher as digging holes in the basement of her talent) 13 years later she was sitting next to her in a schoolteacher's band in the special music school as a teaching colleague, (I took up classical guitar and practised religiously as an example to my precious daughter) she went on to obtain a degree at our city's Conservatorium in music, she is incredibly gifted musically, but prefered to teach 1st and 2nd graders, opposed to performing. Although she's a wonderful vocalist, and performs regularly, a part time teacher and full time mum. But I agree with you, it's more up to the parents than the teacher, it's so sad that artists are foiled by parents from forging an artistic career and blessing an art starved world, beautifully written Rachelle, I understand how you feel and so does my wife, (and daughter) her three boys can't goof off from lessons and performing. Well done, I identify completely, blessjngs, Roy
Typo :.Isn't he a(t) stitch?
Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Thanks for this very interesting and illuminating review, Roy. Music has a way of changing lives, and there's so many ways to perpetuate it when someone's a teacher. I wish your daughter well and commend her on listening to her heart when it came to her musical career choice. She's a rare (and wonderful) breed. No wonder you are so proud of her.
And thanks for catching that nit. Someone else mentioned it, so I've changed it now. I appreciate it when reviewers have my back like that. xo
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I'm glad I went on to play and perform as a musician/songwriter, my daughters both were part of a performing gospel band I later formed, I still perform today. It served, I've taught African boys wo now write and record, and serve on the churche's worship team, so it served both my daughter and me well, who knows where it leads, but art is an integral part of society, my wife is a language teacher, so similar. I'd like to read more of your stories Rachelle, blessjngs, Roy
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I was 45 when I started. Anytime is OK, even old codgers like me.
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I have adults students in their 70's --and they're excellent because they really WANT to be learning. You're right: one is NEVER too old to take up an instrument! xo
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Ditto, Roy!!! xo
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It must be encouraging for you. My now teaches in a university of the third age, all her students are over 65!
Comment from diamondbogle
This sounds like my sister and her first piano lesson. Our teacher would slap your knuckled with a ruler. She only did it to me once but my sister oh god she never learned to keep her mouth shut.
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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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This sounds like my sister and her first piano lesson. Our teacher would slap your knuckled with a ruler. She only did it to me once but my sister oh god she never learned to keep her mouth shut.
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Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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I had a sister like that too!! But it was a Homeroom teacher in high school, not the piano teacher who tried to smack her with a ruler. (She moved her hand at the last second, and the ruler broke, and he went BALLISTIC!!)
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Thats crazy. I knew the first time it happened I was gonna behave and put my hands in the correct position but my sister is a slow learner who just loves to be a rebel.
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There's one of those in every family!!!
Comment from Diana L Crawford
You have such a refreshing way of expressing not only the behaviors of others, but also the internal dialogue that we would like to blurt out! The first young man without a doubt would not have had much more of my time once he was throwing the tantrum either. There is only one spot to review "Isn't he at STITCH?!" Should it be a stitch?
So sad and emotional is your tale of the second boy who hopefully overcame the devastating ignorance of his father. :). I can't wait to read more of your work!
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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You have such a refreshing way of expressing not only the behaviors of others, but also the internal dialogue that we would like to blurt out! The first young man without a doubt would not have had much more of my time once he was throwing the tantrum either. There is only one spot to review "Isn't he at STITCH?!" Should it be a stitch?
So sad and emotional is your tale of the second boy who hopefully overcame the devastating ignorance of his father. :). I can't wait to read more of your work!
Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Ooh! Thanks for catching that nit, Diana! I'll get right on fixing that. I appreciate your having my back. xo
Thanks, too, for your compassionate review. xo
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You got it!!! Hugs!
Comment from doggymad1
Another great story from you vast experiences Rachelle. This one really highlights the difference between those who love music and those who have it thrust upon them.
The life of a teacher is portrayed as a minefield of talent and mixed emotion
hugs
Freda
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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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Another great story from you vast experiences Rachelle. This one really highlights the difference between those who love music and those who have it thrust upon them.
The life of a teacher is portrayed as a minefield of talent and mixed emotion
hugs
Freda
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2019
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I appreciate your feedback and warm, gracious words, Freda. Thank you very much!! xo