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 tfawcus
Having been a teacher for many years, I am fascinated by the way you have described different teaching styles and personalities, and the huge effect that these can have on students. You have a fresh and engaging style of writing and some wonderful descriptions. I especially liked "a huge, old, upright piano with keys like a set of decaying dentures"!
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2019
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Having been a teacher for many years, I am fascinated by the way you have described different teaching styles and personalities, and the huge effect that these can have on students. You have a fresh and engaging style of writing and some wonderful descriptions. I especially liked "a huge, old, upright piano with keys like a set of decaying dentures"!
Comment Written 21-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2019
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You, tfawcus, have just started my day out on SUCH a happy note (oh - sorry; unintentional!) with this LOVELY, heart-warming review. No one wonder you and I have gotten on so easily here; it's that Teacher Bond thing. I love it. Thank you for all this encouragement. xo
Comment from Louise Michelle
'keys like a set of decaying dentures' Nicely written!
Yeah, I can imagine that you did feel like Oliver Twist. I can't believe how insensitive they were.
Well, good for you for having that gumption when you were young. Thank goodness you had a good and decent instructor in the end. A very engaging slice-of-life, Rachelle. Regards, Lou
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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'keys like a set of decaying dentures' Nicely written!
Yeah, I can imagine that you did feel like Oliver Twist. I can't believe how insensitive they were.
Well, good for you for having that gumption when you were young. Thank goodness you had a good and decent instructor in the end. A very engaging slice-of-life, Rachelle. Regards, Lou
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Lou.
That pluck has served me well all my years!
xo
Comment from Joy Graham
I went through a bunch of teachers. Partly because we moved around a lot with military life, but also because I couldn't work with many personalities. Boy did I meet a lot of personalities. I worry if my own students thought me to be strange? Oh well. Those days are over now.
I love how you say, "unpredictable love of yelling". That's too funny. I can picture her.
Looking forward to reading more of this story.
Joy xx
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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I went through a bunch of teachers. Partly because we moved around a lot with military life, but also because I couldn't work with many personalities. Boy did I meet a lot of personalities. I worry if my own students thought me to be strange? Oh well. Those days are over now.
I love how you say, "unpredictable love of yelling". That's too funny. I can picture her.
Looking forward to reading more of this story.
Joy xx
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Joy. Those words are (forgive me here) music to my ears. xo
Comment from Ulla
Hi Rachelle, I will start with your last statement. That is so true, and that goes for this site as well.
Lesson: When teaching is cultivated with encouragement, understanding, and high-but-achievable expectations, there is no end to the blossoming it will render.
You've said it and thanks for doing that. Everybody should read those lines.
I loved your story, and how obedient you were up to a point. All best. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Hi Rachelle, I will start with your last statement. That is so true, and that goes for this site as well.
Lesson: When teaching is cultivated with encouragement, understanding, and high-but-achievable expectations, there is no end to the blossoming it will render.
You've said it and thanks for doing that. Everybody should read those lines.
I loved your story, and how obedient you were up to a point. All best. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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That's right, Ulla - we all have our line in the sand, don't we?!!
And you're right, too, about the Lesson as it pertains to reviews on this site. (You practice what you preach in the biggest way. Yours are always so warm and helpful and well-thought-out.) xo
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Thank you!!
Comment from Debbie Pope
Oh, I would have loved to know you when you were young. We could have been such playmates. I had your same willing, cooperative curiosity for life. I didn't have your talents though, just your desire. I came from a two career family as well, and I rode the bus across town for my lessons. Then I walked a couple of miles to get to my grumpy piano teacher's house. All that at age six. I begged for dance, guitar, and drum lessons, but I had to be satisfied with the piano.
The point of switching this review to my life is to show you where your story took me. I enjoyed it immensely. Your setting draws me back and your characterizations draw me in. I can't believe the pompous man who taught piano. Who thinks like that? And everyone needs a Ms. Beverley in their life.
My only suggestion is to play around with the font in order to get rid of the empty space. They tell me that Tom can help with that kind of thing if changing the font does not fix the problem.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Oh, I would have loved to know you when you were young. We could have been such playmates. I had your same willing, cooperative curiosity for life. I didn't have your talents though, just your desire. I came from a two career family as well, and I rode the bus across town for my lessons. Then I walked a couple of miles to get to my grumpy piano teacher's house. All that at age six. I begged for dance, guitar, and drum lessons, but I had to be satisfied with the piano.
The point of switching this review to my life is to show you where your story took me. I enjoyed it immensely. Your setting draws me back and your characterizations draw me in. I can't believe the pompous man who taught piano. Who thinks like that? And everyone needs a Ms. Beverley in their life.
My only suggestion is to play around with the font in order to get rid of the empty space. They tell me that Tom can help with that kind of thing if changing the font does not fix the problem.
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Debbie, for every part of this review. I loved this read the same way I love your actual pieces!! We would definitely have been great friends as children. But I guess we'll just have to make up for lost time, and we seem to be doing quite well with that. xo
Comment from LisaMay
First off: is your mother still alive? and do you have her mink coat? How interesting that she should prioritise a coat over a piano that actually had all its keys.
You have really made this memoir come to life ... the characters you introduce are love 'em and hate 'em ones, and clearly show the impact, good and bad, on your life as written. But I am with the bastard who called you barbaric: chewing gum is so annoying! ...the sort of girl who liked to play at the town dump... (I actually did) but what a terrible thing to say to a kid. Your introduction of speech here and there works well. I didn't like the (A), (B), (C) as I thought the headings were sufficient. Good to have the lesson in italics at the foot to reinforce the message of the text. (They have the tone of "Confucious says... girl who falls asleep on synagogue steps on winter night will wake up with heavy Jew on her.")
What a pity there aren't more Mrs. Brenners in the world. Thank goodness you had her for a role model for your own teaching attributes. (Do you take adult learners, and when can I start?)
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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First off: is your mother still alive? and do you have her mink coat? How interesting that she should prioritise a coat over a piano that actually had all its keys.
You have really made this memoir come to life ... the characters you introduce are love 'em and hate 'em ones, and clearly show the impact, good and bad, on your life as written. But I am with the bastard who called you barbaric: chewing gum is so annoying! ...the sort of girl who liked to play at the town dump... (I actually did) but what a terrible thing to say to a kid. Your introduction of speech here and there works well. I didn't like the (A), (B), (C) as I thought the headings were sufficient. Good to have the lesson in italics at the foot to reinforce the message of the text. (They have the tone of "Confucious says... girl who falls asleep on synagogue steps on winter night will wake up with heavy Jew on her.")
What a pity there aren't more Mrs. Brenners in the world. Thank goodness you had her for a role model for your own teaching attributes. (Do you take adult learners, and when can I start?)
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Wow - that nap you took (I say 'nap' because I know you don't sleep long enough hours for it to be considered a full night's sleep) really pepped you up!
1.)No, my mother is long gone, and so is the coat. The spinet piano outlived them both. (Ah, the irony of that.)
2.) I gave up on gum long ago (it really IS barbaric, but surely there was a less caustic way of getting that across to a nine-year-old...)
3.) Thanks for the feedback about the A, B, C. Perhaps it is unnecessary. I'll think about that and edit accordingly.
4.) Yes, I take adult learners. But you tell Confucious/Jew jokes, so I'm not sure you actually qualify as 'adult' just yet.
Thanks for all your help and input; you know I always respect and appreciate your thoughts. xo
(And thanks for the extra star, too.)
Comment from meeshu
I love your writing style, Rachelle. to the point, fast paced, yet wonderfully detailed. your upbringing is so foreign to me, but I relate because it's in the same time frame. a very enjoyable read.................meeshu
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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I love your writing style, Rachelle. to the point, fast paced, yet wonderfully detailed. your upbringing is so foreign to me, but I relate because it's in the same time frame. a very enjoyable read.................meeshu
Comment Written 18-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Yes, commonality of time frame bridges many gaps, Meeshu! I couldn't agree more.
Thanks for this really nice review. xo
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
Did missing those two keys make your music sound off? Just curious. I know nothing about pianos or music. Your lesson was cute. I guess I started writing under duress and here I am. lol. Maybe you're onto something. I'm glad you're mom listened to you when you told her you weren't doing the lessons anymore. She was probably just stunned because she had no idea what you were going through. It's hard when you have that first amazing teacher right away. My amazing teacher waited til high school and I saw her every day til I graduated. I even invited her when I decided to get baptized and got married. Some teachers are just pure angels. They are doing it for the right reasons and there aren't many like that out there. Great job
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Did missing those two keys make your music sound off? Just curious. I know nothing about pianos or music. Your lesson was cute. I guess I started writing under duress and here I am. lol. Maybe you're onto something. I'm glad you're mom listened to you when you told her you weren't doing the lessons anymore. She was probably just stunned because she had no idea what you were going through. It's hard when you have that first amazing teacher right away. My amazing teacher waited til high school and I saw her every day til I graduated. I even invited her when I decided to get baptized and got married. Some teachers are just pure angels. They are doing it for the right reasons and there aren't many like that out there. Great job
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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Are you ever right about that, ExperiencingLiphe. A standout teacher can change a person's life. I'm glad you experienced one. Are you still in touch with the one you mentioned?
And, no, the two missing keys had no effect on playing whatsoever. They're ones that almost never get used.
Thanks for this terrific review. xo
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Yeah I still keep in contact with her. She's an awesome person
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I had that relationship with my fifth grade teacher, who came to my dance recitals, my wedding, and many of the piano recitals for my students. I always kept in touch with her through snail mails and phone calls, and when she passed three summers ago, I had the immense honor of singing at her funeral Mass. There's nothing quite so special as a special teacher, is there?
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You got that right. My teacher was diagnosed with a cancer. They told her it could be months or twenty years. She's still fighting but it's true when they say the good die young. My heart broke when she told me that. She said the average person lives about 4 years with it. She said she was hoping to be the person who got 20 more years. I certainly hope she gets the 20 years.
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Me, too. I'll send some Good Karma Vibes her way today. xo
Comment from Michele Harber
Hi FSBF. (I'm guessing it took you 1.5 seconds to figure out that incredibly difficult code.) Let me start by saying I like your story. It's interesting and you have a very down-to-earth way of speaking that makes you relatable. As always, your use of detail is excellent, as is your use of description, employing very strong adjectives. However, something bothered me about this story, making it not read as smoothly to me as some of your other works, and I finally realized that what bothered me was that it felt as though the perspective changed at various points in the story. This is apparently being told from the perspective of you as an adult, describing instances that occurred during your younger years. However, at points, when talking about yourself as a child, you seem to be speaking from the perspective of your younger self. For instance, when you say, "so old. (You know, like 30.)," that's obviously from a younger person's perspective. An older person relaying that she felt that way at the time would often have a come-back to herself, i.e., "(If I'd only known at the time how young 30 really was!)." You handled the same type of circumstance beautifully later when contradicting misgivings you were having about yourself as a child by saying, "I know how misguided that thinking was." It's this inconsistency that's throwing me a bit. Also, when you said of Ms. Brenner, "She was crazy about me," that was very much the way a child would describe it. An older person generally tones things down a bit, i.e., "She was very fond of me," or "She liked me very much." It's not that an older person couldn't speak this way but, rather, that you don't throughout the bulk of the story. Please don't think I don't like your story; I do, it's just that the inconsistency in perspective is a bit off-putting in the occasional places in which it occurs. You certainly remedy that in several places just by putting the things you say as a child in quotes but, where that's not done, I think you need to make the adult tone more clear. I know this isn't the usual "This is great and I loved every second of it" review you're used to receiving from me, but I did promise I'd be honest with you, and I wouldn't be a true friend if I weren't. The up side to knowing I'm going to be brutally honest is that it also means you can trust all those "This is great and I loved every second of it" reviews, because they, too, are brutally honest.
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Hi FSBF. (I'm guessing it took you 1.5 seconds to figure out that incredibly difficult code.) Let me start by saying I like your story. It's interesting and you have a very down-to-earth way of speaking that makes you relatable. As always, your use of detail is excellent, as is your use of description, employing very strong adjectives. However, something bothered me about this story, making it not read as smoothly to me as some of your other works, and I finally realized that what bothered me was that it felt as though the perspective changed at various points in the story. This is apparently being told from the perspective of you as an adult, describing instances that occurred during your younger years. However, at points, when talking about yourself as a child, you seem to be speaking from the perspective of your younger self. For instance, when you say, "so old. (You know, like 30.)," that's obviously from a younger person's perspective. An older person relaying that she felt that way at the time would often have a come-back to herself, i.e., "(If I'd only known at the time how young 30 really was!)." You handled the same type of circumstance beautifully later when contradicting misgivings you were having about yourself as a child by saying, "I know how misguided that thinking was." It's this inconsistency that's throwing me a bit. Also, when you said of Ms. Brenner, "She was crazy about me," that was very much the way a child would describe it. An older person generally tones things down a bit, i.e., "She was very fond of me," or "She liked me very much." It's not that an older person couldn't speak this way but, rather, that you don't throughout the bulk of the story. Please don't think I don't like your story; I do, it's just that the inconsistency in perspective is a bit off-putting in the occasional places in which it occurs. You certainly remedy that in several places just by putting the things you say as a child in quotes but, where that's not done, I think you need to make the adult tone more clear. I know this isn't the usual "This is great and I loved every second of it" review you're used to receiving from me, but I did promise I'd be honest with you, and I wouldn't be a true friend if I weren't. The up side to knowing I'm going to be brutally honest is that it also means you can trust all those "This is great and I loved every second of it" reviews, because they, too, are brutally honest.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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No, no, I ALWAYS want your honest review. Lip-service has no point in a review. It's counter-productive. So I appreciate what you've said and will give it lots of thought and make reparations as needed. So thank you for this valuable input very much. This is proof to me that you are my FSBF. xo
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You make it easy, because the basis of the work is so good, so it's not as though I have to reinvent the wheel. There are some where I just want to say, "This is perfect ? except for the rhyme, the meter, the flow and, oh yeah, the words."
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Hahahaha. Yeah, I hear that. Those ones, I do a Moses on...and PASSOVER. hahahahaha
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Same here!!! "Why is this poem different from all other poems?" "Reading all other poems, I don't puke once but, reading this poem, I puke twice."
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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;-)
Comment from susand3022
Rachael!!! I'm telling you right now... the fact that people can read music blows my mind. I've never been able to read much past middle C. My fingers always memorized where they needed to be well before I needed to try and read the piece again. So, when my piano teacher would stop me in the middle of whatever I was playing, point to the music and say, "where are you?" I would have to guess... several times until she just shook her head at me. lol My lessons didn't last long. :)
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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Rachael!!! I'm telling you right now... the fact that people can read music blows my mind. I've never been able to read much past middle C. My fingers always memorized where they needed to be well before I needed to try and read the piece again. So, when my piano teacher would stop me in the middle of whatever I was playing, point to the music and say, "where are you?" I would have to guess... several times until she just shook her head at me. lol My lessons didn't last long. :)
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019
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I have students like this; they're always my biggest challenge, and I hate hearing myself continually say, "Watch your music. Keep your eyes on your music. Be sure you're looking at the music."
Thanks for your feedback here, Susan, very much. xo
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My eyes could have been on the ceiling... lol
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HAHAHA