Last night my daughter had her first private trombone lesson. I could tell before we got there that she was nervous, but I was expecting that. I had warned her that her instructor was going to push her hard…harder than she’d ever been pushed before. But I also knew that my daughter would thrive in those conditions. She loves a challenge, and these private lessons are going to give her that.
We decided to get her private lessons outside of school a couple months back when she told us she didn’t feel she was being challenged enough in her school’s band. She’d complained to us for quite some time that she wanted to give up playing the trombone because she was bored with the music given her. I completely understood. At her old school she played some fairly hard pieces for a child her age, including “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.
We didn’t want to see my daughter give up, though, because she’s been playing for a couple years, and is obviously talented. So that’s when we began our search. And in fact, my boyfriend was the one who found the place my daughter is now a student at.
Right now, her private lesson run from 6:00 to 6:30 and then she has band rehearsal from 7:00 to 8:30. It makes for a long night since it’s about a half-hour drive to and from the place, but it’s worth it to see the smile on her face and excitement shining in her big, blue eyes.
That look in her eyes lets me know we made the right choice to look for lessons for her. I think this experience is going to be an extremely good one for her. I think it’s going to give her a confidence boost and it could potentially open up doors to her.
And I have to say, we are so very lucky that my boyfriend understands how important this is to my daughter. So to make it easier on me, and to make it so my son doesn’t have to stay up past his bedtime, my boyfriend offered to meet me each week after my daughter’s private lesson to pick up my son and take him home and get him ready for bed for me. I can’t express how grateful I am for his support, and that he’s willing to help out so I can be there for my daughter.
Oh yeah…did I mention my daughter also got asked to play with the band at the place she’s taking lessons? She’s the ONLY kid in the band. The next youngest person looks to be in his early 20s. That’s a BIG deal to us and her. I can’t wait to see how everyone else influences her playing.
One more thing!
She was already told she can take part in their Jazz Band, as well. How many kids can say that? How many kids can say that got asked to play with a mostly adult band? Not many. She should be proud of herself and look forward to the future with anticipation and excitement. I know I am.
*Photo courtesy of ronnieb.