Today was a grand day for the musicians at home. We had a new-comer arrive! Welllllll, a different kind of a new comer. One that does require time, appreciation and (ahem) money in the real sense!
We talked about it last night, in a flurry, and decided to take the risk.. the risk of buying a size 1/8 violin.
When I arrived home, I thought of surprising A with his new "buddy". In a kind of exciting voice (that probably sounded more like a tired-for-being-out-since-morning voice) I announced to him that I had something new for him to play with. In a most gentlemanly, matter-of-fact tone, with an unflinching gaze at me he said, "I don't need a new violin, I've got this old one!"
Ah! I wanted to punch myself!
I didn't do that after all, and A did slowly take a liking to a violin that he can hold, that does have a chin rest and isn't all grimy with over-use. I do have a desire for him to like music, like playing the violin, like practicing to attain perfection, but I also keep reminding myself that he doesn't have to do it, at least not to please me. I know by experience that something done out of obligation and force can end up being a task, and it takes much discipline and many, many tears to have a heart for it. At this time I'm treading a thin line between teaching and allowing enjoyment of music, and I constantly ask for grace to permit, forgive and move on. So here is what our new arrival looks like...
(and isn't it nice to use the word like for things and love for people? I'm just beginning to learn...!)
We talked about it last night, in a flurry, and decided to take the risk.. the risk of buying a size 1/8 violin.
When I arrived home, I thought of surprising A with his new "buddy". In a kind of exciting voice (that probably sounded more like a tired-for-being-out-since-morning voice) I announced to him that I had something new for him to play with. In a most gentlemanly, matter-of-fact tone, with an unflinching gaze at me he said, "I don't need a new violin, I've got this old one!"
Ah! I wanted to punch myself!
I didn't do that after all, and A did slowly take a liking to a violin that he can hold, that does have a chin rest and isn't all grimy with over-use. I do have a desire for him to like music, like playing the violin, like practicing to attain perfection, but I also keep reminding myself that he doesn't have to do it, at least not to please me. I know by experience that something done out of obligation and force can end up being a task, and it takes much discipline and many, many tears to have a heart for it. At this time I'm treading a thin line between teaching and allowing enjoyment of music, and I constantly ask for grace to permit, forgive and move on. So here is what our new arrival looks like...
(and isn't it nice to use the word like for things and love for people? I'm just beginning to learn...!)
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