I took piano lessons for about 12 years. I took lessons from my mom when I was 8 years old, but mostly whenever she had time to teach me. When I was 9 my family moved to Utah and I was taught by one of my dad's cousins that lived in the neighborhood. Then I started taking from Mrs. Peterson when I was about 13 or so, and then had one semester of lessons in college.
Back to Mrs. Peterson. She was one intense woman. Seriously. Very nice, but I admit I was scared of her. Still am, actually. I'm always a little nervous about what would happen if I bumped into her at a store or something... pathetic, I know, because it's been 6 years since I've even seen her. Anyway, she got me involved in lots and lots of piano recitals and competitions... too many to count.
The most traumatic of these happened when I was in good ol' middle school. It was my first Federation competition. I didn't really know what to expect or how things would go down. I remember one girl saying the judges got mad at her because she took her shoes off when she played... weird I know. But of course this made me more nervous.
It was my turn to play. I introduced my song to the judges, sat down and played it nearly perfectly. I was good to go! I only had a few more notes to play and was thinking how amazing I was and how I was going to most likely receive the highest score.
Let's just say that's when the pride cycle showed itself. I was getting cocky and lost my focus. I was doing great until I got to the very last chord and my mind went blank. I completely forgot the notes. I attempted the chord several times before giving up all together.
I remember I went back to my mom in the audience and just cried. I think this was my first competition ever and it had gone horribly wrong! Luckily my parents and Mrs. Peterson pushed me and I kept on going. I won't say I didn't make similar mistakes in later years, but at least I could handle them without thinking the end of the world had come! I will say that I'm glad I don't have to deal with that kind of stress anymore. Now playing the piano for fun suits me just fine!
Back to Mrs. Peterson. She was one intense woman. Seriously. Very nice, but I admit I was scared of her. Still am, actually. I'm always a little nervous about what would happen if I bumped into her at a store or something... pathetic, I know, because it's been 6 years since I've even seen her. Anyway, she got me involved in lots and lots of piano recitals and competitions... too many to count.
The most traumatic of these happened when I was in good ol' middle school. It was my first Federation competition. I didn't really know what to expect or how things would go down. I remember one girl saying the judges got mad at her because she took her shoes off when she played... weird I know. But of course this made me more nervous.
It was my turn to play. I introduced my song to the judges, sat down and played it nearly perfectly. I was good to go! I only had a few more notes to play and was thinking how amazing I was and how I was going to most likely receive the highest score.
Let's just say that's when the pride cycle showed itself. I was getting cocky and lost my focus. I was doing great until I got to the very last chord and my mind went blank. I completely forgot the notes. I attempted the chord several times before giving up all together.
I remember I went back to my mom in the audience and just cried. I think this was my first competition ever and it had gone horribly wrong! Luckily my parents and Mrs. Peterson pushed me and I kept on going. I won't say I didn't make similar mistakes in later years, but at least I could handle them without thinking the end of the world had come! I will say that I'm glad I don't have to deal with that kind of stress anymore. Now playing the piano for fun suits me just fine!
3 comments:
I remember that day... I'm so glad that experience didn't stop you from playing the piano! This is going to be fun to learn more about you!!
Love ya,
mom
That happened to me at EVERY recital (and they were just at my piano teacher's home). I'm glad you got the good piano genes!
That happens to me when I stand up in front of people!! Oh, and that "traumatically" happened to me once when I tried out for cheerleading!! Needless to say, I did not make it!! (Actually that was a blessing in disguise! haha). You are an awesom pianist - aren't you glad you didn't let that one time define your abilities??!!!
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