Red and Rover by Brian Basset for April 10, 2024

B Flat minor

Red is playing the piano by ear.

Rover ……. better “PAW” in there and help Red out …… ;)

Its ok Red. I felt the same way when my Mother made me take piano lessons. At this point I am supposed to say it was worth it because I still play today, but my Mother eventually gave up. She decided she would spend her money on other things.

Play, “How Much is that Doggy in the Window!”

Treats on the keyboard! Mom just might surrender! Ha

It’s not “Chopsticks”, but it’s a good start!

I LOVED taking keyboard lessons as a kid! After class on Saturdays I’d go down into our basement and practice for up to 3 hours, just because I wanted to. I moved so far ahead in the book that the teacher was impressed. He told my parents that I should be moved up to the next level class. Then he mentioned the cost. Since my parents had a new baby the added expense was too much so I had to stop. I’m not bitter, tho.

I don’t know how my parents survived it…all seven of their kids taking piano lessons. I got to start a year earlier than the others…six…because I kept crawling up to the top, opening the lid, and dropping stuff down.

Practicing with a headache!!!!!!

Famous, that’s the best comment Ive read.

Red may grow up to be the keyboardist in a rock band…

Mine was Ballet. Still trip over my own feet.

There are days I wish I had learned how to play the piano…but I learned how to play the trumpet instead. I can’t sing and play the trumpet at the same time, which may be a blessing…but I did play the trumpet for over 30 years in church. I still sing occasionally, with my wife playing piano.

My older sister played piano and hated it. She had a mean teacher that would hit her hands with a ruler when she made a mistake. I wanted to take lessons but since my sister didn’t like it I didn’t get to. Or at least that’s the reason I was give.

I wish I had had the opportunity to have piano lessons, but that ship has sailed. Since I began learning musical instruments in my 60’s, bass guitar and harmonica are what I have chosen as they are more straightforward to learn and play (but not easy if you want to play well!). Fun, too, especially if you enjoy the blues!

If I had kids and they showed an interest in piano or any other instrument, I would certainly encourage that. But the main things I would actually require of them are (1) do your schoolwork and homework to the best of your ability, (2) do your share of household chores inside and outside, (3) always clean up after yourself, and (4) always be respectful, especially to your elders.

Red is using his head to play piano.