We all call my grandma, GG, standing for Great-Grandma. Have I mentioned that? I’m sure I have. I’ve probably also mentioned how incredibly special GG is to us. She’s one of those people I’ve never seen grumpy, or impatient; who always has something kind to say or love to share.
Zeb’s always enjoyed plunking around on the piano, creating his own songs or following along in our Teach Yourself Piano book. Until just a couple weeks ago, when he decided he wanted to really learn but didn’t exactly like the thought of “lessons” with a stranger.
That is until I mentioned asking GG to teach him. His face lit up and his eyes sparkled and he loved the idea. We called GG, who agreed if he was ready to learn that she would love to teach him.
.
.
His first lesson was today. He had some basic knowledge of the keys, and showed her some of the songs he already knew. She worked with him on finger placement, scales and taught him the difference between “Every Good Boy Does Fine” and FACE. He listened intently, followed her fingers and later told me he intends to practice daily. (Even if our piano is slightly out of tune.)
I sat and soaked up the moment. It was just too great to see her pass on her piano knowledge to her grandson, encouraging and smiling and enjoying each other.
.
.
I recently commented on Idzie’s blog post Teaching vs Learning about how I wasn’t opposed to the word “teaching” when it’s not used to describe coercive learning; when it’s about that “passing on of knowledge” from one wise person to an eager learner like I saw today. It’s the true definition of the word, in my mind, regardless of the sometimes warped definition we see today.
I don’t know how much Zeb will choose he wants to learn. I don’t know whether he’ll practice daily, as he says. I don’t know that he’ll take this anywhere. I just know that he was happy to share the experience with someone he cherishes so deeply. I know his Grandma is in full support of him having fun and leading the way. And I know he’ll remember his lessons with GG forever.
(This post is part of the Moms’ 30-Minute Blog Challenge. Can you believe it?)
The only time I’ve talked about teaching in a positive way recently is when talking about my sister Emi’s drum teacher. He’s become not just her teacher, but also a mentor and big brother figure. It’s really sweet! In that case, I don’t know what other word I’d use, and I’m quite fine using in that case. I just…think it’s a word loaded with lots of not so great meanings, and one that’s waaaaay overused… *Shrugs*
Anyway, I love the pics, and that does look like such a wonderful experience!
GG is beautiful and sounds like the perfect person to show Zeb the way around a piano. We have a GG in our family too, so lucky to have great grandparents still here with us!
lisa
Nice post! My grandma is “GG” to my kids too!
I love it when you post about GG!
It’s great when you see all the valuable resources we have in family and friends. Our kids are so open to learning when they are ready!
(I’m very impressed that you did that in 30 minutes!)
That’s great that he’s ready to learn. No matter how long he lasts, he’ll have great memories of the learning process.
We have friends who call great grandma GG, too! Those older family members can add so much to a family, can’t they?
Love the pics of both of their hands!
Wow, what a lovely post – I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!!!
How wonderful that his interest and her skills dovetailed so nicely – I hope there will be many more great lessons!
Happy Thanksgiving.
I love the pictures- the young and old hands playing piano together is beautiful! How wonderful that your son was open to the idea of allowing GG to share her joy of music