Childhood Memories of Playing the Piano: A Musical Journey
My journey with the piano began in childhood, surrounded by the teachings of my first piano teacher, Mrs. Sorenson. She was a Danish lady with a baton she used to rap my fingers if I made a mistake. Despite the occasional torment, her strict discipline played a crucial role in shaping my early interest in music. According to my sister, I was delighted not to have to attend her lessons anymore. However, my younger sisters continued to enjoy their piano lessons, leaving me bored in the car waiting for my turn.
The Dream of Playing in the First Baptist Church
My mother had a dream that all her daughters would become pianists and play in the First Baptist Church of Solvang. However, I failed to meet her expectations. My sister reminded me of this dream, which had long since been forgotten.
The Struggle with the Bass Clef
My second and final piano teacher was the pianist at the church. She was indeed a great teacher, but I struggled to read the bass clef. The lines seemed irrelevant, and the notes appeared to be disembodied in empty space. Even today, I'm unsure why music notation is structured this way. This struggle made playing the piano a more challenging experience for me.
A Lifelong Love of Music
Despite these difficulties, I found a deep-seated love for the piano. One of my most cherished childhood memories involves the excitement of learning my first piece. It was in this magical realm that imagination and musical notes danced together, instilling a lifelong passion for music. This experience has profoundly shaped not only my musical skills but also my identity.
Memories with the Mehlin Sons Upright Grand
Our family had a beautiful 1904 Mehlin Sons upright grand piano. With my brother, we would stand on the keys, cringe, and play fake grapes from a bowl on top of the piano, tossing them back and forth. Although the piano eventually fell into rough condition and was replaced with a new baby grand, I still deeply miss the incredible tonality and feel of the Mehlin. It brought us so much joy in our childhood.
Memories of Musicunication
I correspond with a brilliant German man who played the first violin in the Berlin Philharmonic. He shared his experience of not being able to read music, memorizing every note instead. He explained that he was likely the only member of the orchestra who couldn't read music. This revelation gave me a sense of comfort and reassurance, knowing that everyone has their unique path in music.
For those looking to embark on a musical journey, consider taking piano lessons. Courses like these have helped over 450,000 students achieve their dreams of playing beautiful piano music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's always something new to discover and enjoy.
Share Your Piano Memories
Feel free to share your own piano memories on my Quora profile. Together, let's celebrate the universal joy and journey of musical experiences.