Hot Rod began guitar lesson less than three months ago, and he has already had a recital.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  It was so exciting and wonderful.  They do recitals differently than they did when we had recitals.

Back in the old days, recitals were nerve-racking.  We wore stiff dresses that we were not use to wearing, and performed in front of most of Andrews, and we were there a long long time.  At least that is what I remember.  I was always so nervous – probably because I didn’t have the piano piece I was to play memorized.  It was a no-no to use your music.  Ugh!

I had one teacher that did it right.  While mother went to school at Sul Ross during the summers to get her master’s degree, I took piano lessons from a lady that had taken piano lessons from the same teacher that taught Van Cliburn.  (Do you understand?)  She was good – real good.  Sul Ross would not let her teach at the collage because her husband taught there. (Remember the 50’s?)  In her class, we had Music Club once a month or maybe more often.  You invited family and friends to her home, and you shared anything you were learning.  You could even use your music.  It was so much fun.  We worked hard to show improvement each month.

Hot Rod’s recital was okay.  It was at the music school, and Hot Rod’s group had eight performers.  (They had seven recitals on that day.)   It was low keyed, and I liked it that way.  To be honest, I do not think it would matter to Hot Rod.  He LOVES to be on stage and perform.  Always has.  He is our little ham – but he is not so little anymore.  (Don’t let me get started about how I hate for him to grow up.)

Before the performances Ms Director of the School whose name I do not know, (And, it is not on the program or their website.) gave the students instructions on stage etiquette.  Make eye contact with the friendliest person in the audience (That would be me.), smile (show your teeth), bow, and then perform.

As you can tell, Hot Rod is the best smiler in the group.  We were so proud.

Then the students were allowed a little fun and pretended to perform.  These boys dream of rock greatness.

Next they practiced what to do after they performed.  They were to go to the front of the stage, make eye-contact with the friendliest person in the audience (That would be me.), smile (show your teeth) and then bow.  Then they were to return to their seats in the audience.  I am not lying.  Hot Rod was the best at stage etiquette. You can see for yourself.  It is not just a proud grandmother talking.  He is so cute and so much fun.  Melts my heart.

Hot Rod is learning classical guitar.  Later he can be a rock star.  He performed a duet with his teacher called Rock Legend.  He did a fantastic job. He just began lessons in December.  I am so impressed.  Look at this picture.  He is so serious and puckers his mouth when he plays.  I like it.  I love it.  Just too cute.

All of the students preformed very well.  Great job!

Looking forward to the next recital in April.

Blessings to you and yours,

Much love to Hot Rod.