The first few lessons showed that Fiona has a real knack for piano and the concepts quickly make sense to her. She was really moving along in her lessons - and then everything went into lockdown. Her sweet teacher continued lessons for a bit in her house, but we decided to hit pause. Eventually, her teacher moved to virtual lessons and we were back in the game.
Virtual lessons went well, but basically required me to hover in the background and help her find her hand positions or demonstrate the technique. It wasn't a big deal and I didn't mind - but it wasn't the same as in-person instruction. However, she was learning and it was a shade of normal! When her teacher mentioned the end of year recital, we really encouraged Fiona to do it - and were so proud when she said she would!
She worked really hard learning Beethoven's Ode to Joy and practiced hard to make it perfect (and overcome her recital nerves). Then her teacher sent out an email that the church where the recital was being held had canceled since churches were still not allowed to be open. Fiona was devastated. Mike and I did a quick pivot (we've honed those parenting skills during lockdown) and proposed a family recital via Zoom. It made her feel much better and she agreed.
Then, because life is ever fluid these days, her teacher said the recital was back on via Zoom. Oy vey! So we went from one recital at a church on Wednesday to no recital to a family Zoom recital on Thursday to a Zoom recital on Wednesday AND a Zoom recital on Thursday. It was dizzying. And yet, there is nothing else on the calendar - so it was fairly easy to accommodate.
She was very nervous for the Wednesday recital (and I panicked several family members by posting a picture of her all dressed up on instagram and they thought they missed it. So sorry!). She looked beautiful and asked us all to dress up for it as well. Dec was not really on board (but his dad tricked him into it). Quinn was not really on board (but Fiona tricked her into it by offering to let Q wear one of her dresses). It looked like we had actual places to be. Like the basement.
Between first recital, general nerves, and going first, Wednesday's performance did not not spectacularly well. We were so proud of her, but she ended her song in tears. It's really hard to be the first one - especially after only three months of lessons. I said all the things that a Mom says - but they didn't mean much. So after the recital was over, we called in the pro. And by that, I mean Auntie. Who said the exact same words I did - but this time they sunk in. Fine. As long as they healed the heart. F's friend E was also in the recital and sent Fiona a sweet text over Messenger that also made her smile.
Thursday night was the redemption recital. She had a full house of grandparents, aunties, and cousins. With a friendly audience of people she knew, she was shining! She played four songs and did so amazing. We could not be more proud of her!
Wait, we could! She also submitted a video of herself playing Ode to Joy for the virtual version of the school's end of year talent show. The talent show video was posted this morning and we all watched it together on our big screen TV. SHE WAS IN IT!!!
She has already asked to keep going with lessons through the summer. Done and done.
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