thoughts of a teacher // student

by daniel.

I wince as he possessively insists on murdering the keys and playing as if a bad dream were chasing him. can you play a little gentler? I ask, hoping he'll take the hint. He does, and for a couple measures all is well until he gets to that hard part again. poor keys. But I just bite my tongue and let it slide hoping that one day he will understand that playing the piano is an expression of the heart, and not a royal hunting party. 

We continue to the next song and I watch his little hands begin to flatten over the keys. I place my hand under his and bunch it up. don't forget the ball under your hand. I remind. He nods and lifts his fingers. that's right. I comment, always trying to mix my advice with compliments. 

He suddenly pauses and murmurs, okay, C and E...  I smile and nod my head to show him that he's correct. trust yourself. I always tell my students. follow your instincts. Your fingers know the keys better than you think!

After he's ended the song with a grand and loud punch to the lowest C, I turn a couple pages in the book until I find a duet that is a favorite among my students. [at least, it's my favorite] he finds his finger position and I sit down next to him on the piano bench. ready? I ask. he nods. 1...2...3... We make it through the first line, then the second... and just like a train colliding with another, we come to a screeching halt. make sure to count. I remind gently. With both of us counting [his voice echoing mine] it goes much smoother. I've heard this song at least a hundred times [it feels like it] but I still love it; the ancient sound of the 16th century Italian melody haunting and so beautiful. As I bring out the waves of a crescendo and lower to a piano I notice with satisfaction that he is doing the same thing. good job. I say with a smile.

And before I know it, we're done; the two hours that come around every Thursday have become a time where I not only learn about my students, but I learn about myself.

"But I wonder what would happen if you say what you wanna say, and let the words fall out... Your history of silence won't do you any good. Let your words be anything but empty. Why don't you tell them the truth." -Brave 

 enjoy the rainy days,

  xx. amy jane