Beethoven, Bach, and Kendyll Grace

Well, this weekend was a first for our family. Even though Kendyll has taken piano for two years, this was our first piano recital to attend.

And, Kendyll did SO WELL!! She played four songs, and looked entirely too old sitting there at the beautiful {and I mean really beautiful} grand piano. And, by the way, a grand piano sounds amazingly beautiful compared to our 30 year old piano from my childhood.

Her teacher, Mrs. Roberta, is a sweet woman who has taught piano for years and years. She let the little sisters and brothers explore the pianos before the recital and made instant friends with Carlie, who will be taking lessons from her this summer.

And, can I just say that I know some little girls who would love this tiny little red piano for our house? It's just too cute. Too bad it's also too expensive. :)

All year, Kendyll has taken piano with her friend, Elizabeth. And, we were so proud to hear both of them perform what they have learned. Elizabeth played Indian songs, so she dressed for the occasion. It was very cute.

I don't know what my kids will gravitate to over time, or which talents will line up with their passions, to turn into real lifetime interests, but for now, I absolutely love listening to Kendyll play piano. Mainly, because she really enjoys the creative side of playing. I never did. I learned my songs exactly as they were written, and practiced when my mom made me. :) But, I never learned to play by ear, and certainly never sat down to create my own music....which is what Kendyll does best.

She will figure out a song that she knows or will write a new tune, and will add chords until it sounds like it should. Mark never can tell what she's learned at lessons and what are her own original songs. Here she is composing her own masterpiece last week (on the slate, of course):

What I love about her teacher is that she encourages this creativity. Kendyll told me today that Mrs. Roberta is going to help her add chords, a title, and words to her latest creation, so she can have an official song written.

I love my little Beethoven!