Dude's piano teacher is also the music director at the church. The other day he asked if Dude would be willing to play a piece for the special music they have every year before the Christmas eve candlelit service.
Wow, my kid good enough to play?
Dude is interested, but not sure he can play well enough for it. I think he can do fine, IF he doesn't goof off.
He has picked 'We Three Kings' and right off the bat he said 'But it wont sound right, this isn't the real version'. He is really aware that his piano book has only simplified versions of the songs, and isn't sure that is good enough.
I told him if it was good enough for the teacher to ask, it was good enough for Dude to play.
While talking it over and discussing how he would have to practice playing the right speed and not goofing off racing through I realized. I have no yardstick for piano!
Is that impressive that he can play 'We Three Kings' from 'Alfred Christmas Carols for intermediate players after less than a year? Or slow? Or average? What is the typical speed? Is he progressing adequately? Should I do more to make him practice 'right' or less? Are we doing enough? Too much? Where's my checklist!
On the one hand it might be good for me not to have a measuring stick, we certainly know he is progressing forward, and that aught to be good enough (or is it?)
But on the other hand, if I start to push too hard because I think he is goofing too much, or back off and let him goof the whole session away, then I am wasting the teachers time. (and mine, and his).
If a yardstick is used right, to gently guide learning, it can be a useful tool. But it should never be used to 'beat up' a kid or teacher. Only to find where the weak spots are and help reinforce skills to circumvent them. (or repair if possible).
Now off to google piano yardsticks......Think there is a Wiki for that?
That is wonderful that he was asked to play wish I could be there to hear him.
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