Reflections ON Piano

Some, when they get married, choose to write a pre-nup (basically just an agreement before marriage) - not us, we're not even going there. But we did write a pre-nup of sorts during those engagement days. As we dreamed about our future together we talked about kids and pets, jobs and schools, and of course houses. This is where the pre-nup comes in. As we dreamed about buying our first house we agreed that this house would include two things: 1) George would get a trampoline and 2) I would get a piano. Six years ago this October we bought our first house and believe it or not it came with a trampoline. So we put all our money into the piano and bought a very pretty, shiny black Yamaha. I don't have the time to play it as much as I wish I did, but I love my piano.

Last year we decided to go with the Suzuki method of piano teaching. It was a very good decision. The kids are encouraged to learn a love of music rather than to just read music; it's a family activity rather than an individual activity; and it fits in with our home school lifestyle.

But, as I sat with Karis for her practice time today I was once again frustrated. Everyday it's the same old thing. She sits down for practice. She starts to focus on the songs. She even plays a song or two. Then it happens - she looks up and there she is, crystal clear, plain as day, and she is 100% distracted. You see, my beautiful, shiny black piano morphs from musical instrument into mirror. She sees her own reflection and everything else fades away. She is so distracted by herself that she can't focus. She makes a face, checks her hair, sneeks in a little smile or two at herself.

It's a shame. I almost wish we had an old oak piano - not beautiful and unable to reflect back beauty. Don't get me wrong, I love beauty. I love pretty things, shiny things, lovely things. But I guess there are times when beauty distracts us from our purpose. A beautiful piano is useless unless someone knows how to play it. And even so, someone with the ability to play a beautiful piano is useless if they are continually distracted by their own self. It's purpose is the music, beautiful music. For now, I am thankful for my beautiful piano and I vow to play it more. And, unless I come up with a better idea, I may attempt to hide it's reflective quality with a sheet during practice time.