As a part of his seventh birthday, Aidan began violin lessons last April. He’d been wanting to learn the violin for several years. Since we knew a couple friends who took lessons, we had a recommendation of a great Suzuki teacher, and he’s been doing group and private lessons each week for nearly nine months now. We’ve certainly had a few ups and downs when it comes to practicing and putting in the work and effort that it takes to learn an instrument. But he’s liked it from the beginning and always been so proud to show everyone his instrument and playing- even from the first week he got it- to each new song he’s learned along the way.
This holiday season, he had his debut performance at the Power Center, playing Christmas Carols and other little tunes for the Nutcracker Ballet as guests came in and purchased tickets for the show. He played a first few little beginner songs including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as others like Jingle Bells, French Folk Song, and as much as he could of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. As the songs became more advanced, students simply stepped down from the group. He looked so cute up there in his concert attire- white shirt and black pants. The group sounded really great with the acoustics of the building and all of the ages blending together so nicely. We were so proud of him. Of course Nana and Grammy and Grampapa were there, and our wonderful family friends from church were also able to come and see Aidan’s class perform. Of course we showered him with parents’ pride, big smiles and lots of love. And afterward Alex, Aidan, Grammy, Muma, and our friends stayed for the ballet. We had studied Tchaikovsky and seen some of the dances on video in school last year, so they were a little acquainted with the story. In the end, Alex and Aidan liked their first ballet quite a bit (though thought it was a little long at the end). Aidan especially liked Marie/Clara, and anytime she was not on-stage– either dancing or watching the ‘treats’– he asked when she would be back. It was a grand night.
In mid-January, Aidan had his first solo recital. He played French Folk Song (Muma smiles a Frenchy smile). He again did really well. His teacher has been working extensively with him on posture and positioning, and as he’s finally starting to become more natural with it, his tone is really improving as well. Aidan wanted to keep this recital a little low-key so it was just our family there to cheer him on, but the Adventurer friend of his was also there for his own performance, so it was great to have more friends along to encourage each other.
It’s been so heart-warming to see our awesome Aidan really taking ownership of his musical abilities and growing in confidence and pride over his violin playing. He’s currently practicing a song called Lightly Row, and Song of the Air (Both Suzuki book 1), as well as Joyful Joyful (Ode to Joy) with Muma. He’s interested in doing special music for church sometime and Muma’s been working on a Ukulele accompaniment for Joyful Joyful- so maybe this spring we will play together! Praise the Lord for little hearts who desire to share their talents for the Lord! We’re so proud of you Aidan! Keep up the good work!
How I love listening to you play, Aidan! Your musical side gets another way of expression that can bring joy to others. Keep sticking with it; you’ve made such progress already. So proud of you!