"It sounds fun in there," the UPS guy said as he handed me my package. I think he was being sarcastic. I think this because my daughter was practicing her violin and it sounded like a sick violent ostrich. Not fun at all.
"Yes, well. My daughter Natalie has decided to play violin this year." I forced a smile on my face. "You know. You're supposed to support your kids when they want to try something new. I'm trying my best. At least the ear plugs came." I held up the box and shook it.
The UPS guy laughed. "Have a good day," he said and headed back into the blissful quiet.
"I'll try," I answered weakly, wishing I really DID buy ear plugs. Instead it was something my husband needed for work. I walked inside the house.
"EEEEEEEEEE. EEEEE. EEEEE....RRRRRRR," went my daughter's violin.
Ruby the cat was petrified:
"Great job," I said giving my daughter a thumbs up, which was a lie.
Her lessons actually start this week. At Natalie's school, the fifth graders can learn to play violin and when Natalie brought home the permission slip, I was surprised. Natalie doesn't like to do much but play with friends and make videos. But she insisted she wanted to learn to play and all the child experts say it's a good idea for kids to learn how to play and instrument. So I agreed.
We had to go out and rent a beginner violin, and the lady at the store we're renting from was all, "This violin is one thousand one hundred dollars. You can rent to buy," and I nearly fell over.
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS?
"Do not break this," I told my daughter and then opted to get the added insurance with it.
So yeah. Natalie YouTubed how to play the violin and assumed she could figure it out on her own.
"EEEE. EEEEEEEE. RRRRRRR. EEEEE."
She couldn't.
"Darling," I called out over the noise. "Did you want to make cookies or something?"
"Nope! I gotta work on this," Natalie replied. It didn't even look like she was holding it right, but what do I know? I've never picked up a violin in my life.
"EEEEEE. EEEEEE. RRRRR. EEEEEEEEEE."
"Did you want to go upstairs and practice?" I suggested, wincing.
I pictured the entire neighborhood poking their heads out their doors, wondering where the dying camel was.
Natalie shook her head. "I'm comfortable here."
"Great." I put another smile on my face. I mean, she was learning. Down the line I imagine it'll sound better.
Right?
Posts
Haha I love this! I envision this exact situation with E when she is older.
ReplyDeleteI love your post. I hope your daughter continues to play the violin and enjoy it. Learning music is so beneficial for her creativity. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy nephew plays the violin. Not my fave instrument but I love to hear him play it.. Hope your daughter continues to love it!!
ReplyDeleteAhah it reminds me of when my brother started to play the violon. Didn't last long but still noisy. It's great she wants to play an instrument though!
ReplyDeleteMy 13 year old has been playing fiddle since 2nd grade. I remember the early screechy days, and wondering if they would ever end. Sure enough - she plays Irish music on hers and she is awesome. She just started to teach her younger sister to play. Fortunately my younger daughter is a perfectionist so the squeaky days were limited as she refused to put the damn thing down until she got it right! (if you check out this blog post, I have a short video clip of her playing fiddle): http://www.nosmallfeetblog.com/2017/04/turning-13.html
ReplyDeleteAww happy memories. I used to play the violin when I was at school and I loved it. I'm not sure I was very good but my parents must have put up with quite a bit of noise for many years. Hope she continues to enjoy it
ReplyDeleteHaha anything for you kids right even thought your ears bleeding and your wallet goes emty! Rather that than the electric guitarr! Good luck with her music career and your patience!
ReplyDeleteThis is so ture LOL I had a kid play flute, guitar, violin, clarinet, tuba, etc etc Oh and trombone. Crazy times in the house back there. Loving that there are so many options for kids to learn instruments these days.
DeleteHahaha, I hope it gets better. My oldest played the drums for 3 years and at least that was an easy instrument.
ReplyDeleteYour cat's face is priceless, lol. My kids played in the band and I finally ended up buying ear plugs. They didn't help as much as I'd hoped, lol.
ReplyDeleteNatalie looks pretty evil in the last photo! And the cat is hilarious. My dog used to hate when I practiced my clarinet too. At least we don't have animals now that Zachary is going to learn to play too!
ReplyDeleteI used to play the violin, I was actually pretty OK, though I gave it up when my health declined at secondary school. Things will get better ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that neither of my girls were interested in any instruments like this. But then again, I wished they were!
ReplyDeleteOmg. So funny! At least she’s trying. I threw in the towel on piano lessons lol. As an aside, tell her to look up Black Violin on YouTube. These two guys are incredible...very inspiring and they make fantastic music with the violin!!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of when my sister learned to play clarinet. Decades later and I'm still scarred by the memory!
ReplyDeleteOMG, Ruby. She made me laugh so hard when I saw that picture. She probably thought a family member was being tortured! LOL
ReplyDeleteHahaha lol made me chuckle throughout, good luck to Natalie and hope she keeps up with the training
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was young, the violin was her instrument of choice. She now has a passion for drawing. As long as she's got a passion, I'm cool.
ReplyDeleteSo funny ahah! Violin is such a charming instrument, Natalie did a really cool choice!
ReplyDeleteGosh - it is a tricky tricky instrument to learn! But I believe that once the basics are right that it will sound beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLOL the photo of the cat and the look on it's face is PRICELESS!!! I agree the violin is one of the most horrible sounding instruments when one does not know how to play!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry mom - she will get good at it! I can tell by her attitude the way you describe her - she won't give up - but she WILL succeed!
This a a wonderful post, may your daughter continues to play the violin and love it. Music is A creative outlet. I love the cat. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughters were growing up they wanted to learn how to play the piano. So we went shopping to purchase a piano. We ended up selecting a beautiful black piano that looked like a mini grand. What was awesome was that it was corded. There was a volume key AND a plug-in for headphones so only they could hear the sounds that were playing - a perfect solution for all of the piano homework their piano teacher gave them each week! So darn blissful for everyone. :-)
ReplyDeleteCute story! Our family had the same reaction when my brother decided he was playing the cello. Good for her though.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to play the violin when I was a little girl. It looks so complicated though, and lessons were so hard to find in the city. I applaud your daughter. I love it :)
ReplyDeleteHaha you have such a humorous outlook on your family that I can't help but smile when I read your posts. I bet even if you were not, that Natalie was delighted with the violin lol x
ReplyDeleteI love this! I played the violin in middle school also for more than a couple of years and I truly enjoyed that. When she starts her lessons I'm sure she'll fall in love with it. also she does need to hold her bow the right way in the opposite direction LOL. That may help with the sound LOL. Don't worry Mom it gets better!
ReplyDeleteMy sister played the violin when she was little and my daughter has one but never really got into it. She also has a guitar and a keyboard, nothing so far but we will keep trying lol.
ReplyDeletelol I feel your pain!!! Over the years my oldest brought home everything from a guitar to a tuba!!! :) I invested in a lot of earplugs ;) shell
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post. It is so fun to see a kid interested in something, even if it starts out a little rough!
ReplyDeleteI used to play violin before and I know the challenges. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteEmman Damian
The interest and the efforts matter, I'm sure once she has some classes the strings will turn from pretty to prettier as the sounds emanate from them. Keep up the musical interest.
ReplyDeleteI am SOLD to Ruby's reaction. Glad Ruby didn't peed yet the violin case and make it her new territory.
ReplyDeleteI had taken up a flute as a kid and those were 2 very unhappy months for my family. Later, I gave it up because of boredom and took up the harmonica which I was good at :)
ReplyDeleteall of your posts are so helpful. I have read many of them. hope you will write more. I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteThe violin is rough! But she looks so cute - and happy. :) We've had recorders (which are horrid), the clarinet (not so bad) and trumpet (oh Lord!). Definitely need to actually buy ear plugs lol.
ReplyDeleteThe violin is such a hard instrument to master.How awesome of her to be so dedicated!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she'll have it down in no time. Playing an instrument takes lots of time and practice. At least she sounds very dedicated.
ReplyDeleteI really hope she sticks it out! So many people value the skill of playing a violin.
ReplyDeleteAwww your cats face is just everything! I remember when I started playing my first instrument, every dog down our street was howling!
ReplyDeletePoor Ruby! LoL!
ReplyDeleteThat is great though that she wants to play an instrument. It is tough at the beginning, I am sure it will get better soon! They do tend to play the same songs over and over though - that's the next stage!
I just love you. Of course you support your children in all their hobbies, but it's always a bit rocky in the beginning haha. Practice makes perfect and I can't wait to hear about her progress (and the cat's paranoia)!
ReplyDeleteWEll over the next few weeks, she might get some softer sounds out? Great fun post.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this little story of your daughter! I'm sure she'll be an expert in no time at all, and Ruby will learn to love the violin, haha!
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteHow nice to hear that your daughter is the late Jack Benny's young apprentice. I betcha ole Jack is looking down from above smiling wryly with every sour note played. lol I loved this post and meant to comment yesterday but being what it was I didn't get a chance then forgot. I hope your gal sticks with it to turn into a fine violinist. Have you ever listened to Lindsey Stirling? She's really a cool violinist putting a bit of rock n' roll and contemporary twist into her mewsic. Check out this amazing playlist of Lindsey's...
https://youtu.be/aHjpOzsQ9YI?list=RDEMzT1XwmFnIup_KYXuc2rUZA
Both of my daughters play, they take private lessons(7 years now) - first tip - your daughter is holding the bow upside down ☺☺ YouTube does have some lessons online - try the library for some DVDs to check out as well. Also, check with local high school students who may play and want to teach your daughter! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised they gave this opportunity to kids to play violin until I actually went out on a date with someone who did that. That's very cool, although I can imagine feeling pretty tense about the cost even if I were only renting the violin.
ReplyDeleteIt'll definitely get better eventually. Our son used to play the trumpet and was kind of out of tune in the beginning. :)
ReplyDeletehaha this was great. Just imagine in the future when she is playing in front of big crowds. It will have been well worth it.
ReplyDeleteRuby really looks petrified :). As long as she enjoys the violin that is great. With some effort she will learn to play.
ReplyDeleteMine has played for 6 years. I'm not going to lie to you, it's pretty painful for the first few years. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI don't Olay any instruments. I tried the drums when I was really little but I'm not a pro at drumming lol
ReplyDeletehahah, Ruby's face is everything. Scarlet is excited because her class is getting recorders soon. I'm not excited!
ReplyDeleteAww how cute :) I remember my parents "loving" when I decided to learn the violin too!! :) I am sure she will improve down the line :)
ReplyDeleteLearning music is so beneficial for her creativity. My daughter loves singing. That cat looks really cute!
ReplyDeleteYour cats face says it all! :D But it won't be for long, she will get better before you realise.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could play an instrument I think I did piano when I was 6 but gave up. Your daughter will be great after classes don't you worry.
ReplyDeleteLike anything else takes time and practice. Good luck in between.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to learn the violin myself but never did... Really I wanted to fiddle lol I am hoping my daughter wants to learn an instrument so maybe I can take lessons with her .
ReplyDeleteI can't stop laughing. All of my grandsons play an instrument (except the baby LOL) and I tried to get one of them to play the violin. Nope, they had rather play piano, bass guitar, drums and electric guitar. Now I'm thinking I may be glad. I'm sure she will get better once she begins her lessons.
ReplyDeleteMy middle kid plays the violin. All 4 of the kids play an instrument so we're used to the "beautiful" sound of 4 kids practicing baritone, violin, piano and clarinets and the violin. I can honestly say I'm just glad only ONE of the kids took up the violin.
ReplyDeleteAwe it’s hard to pass on cookies as a kid. Her passion to learn is amazing. One day you’ll love the sound that comes from it.
ReplyDeleteYour post was so funny! I'm sure there are parents who can relate! I remember when our kids were younger, and they brought home a recorder, and all they played was Hot Cross Buns! Ugh! Memories. I commend you for encouraging your daughter. She will eventually get better, and she'll have you to thank for your patience, encouragement, and love for her.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that your daughter decided to learn how to play the violin ... the beginnings may be hard, but the outcomes will be great for sure. I love that cat! :)
ReplyDeleteLol I can almost hear it now. My kids were all in the band and I remember those practice days well. I'd actually love to learn to play the violin but I'm not sure the neighbors would appreciate it lol.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you daughter! I hope she will learn to play it in some weeks! You need just a little more patience :)
ReplyDeleteI wish my girl was interested in playing the violin. It would be fun to take her to classes and watch her play.
ReplyDeleteMy son was interested in playing the violin. He played another instrument instead for a few years.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter played trumpet and was terrible at it. It never really got better with practice.
ReplyDeleteI love that she's trying something new! I wish I learned to play an instrument, band scholarships are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI was smiling all the while reading your post. You are such a lovely mother. It's great that you are letting her learn Violin since she has developed interest in it. I hope she gets the tunes right soon.
ReplyDeleteYour cat's picture made me LOL!! I'm just happy the recorder phase is over.
ReplyDeleteThis made me laugh. A lot. I can just see my future while reading this post.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very familiar! We are introducing piano soon and I'm looking forward to that lol!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you encouraged her to give the violin a try. You never know when a hobby will speak to a kid and it'll become a passion. Good luck with those earbuds for now!
ReplyDeleteLOL yes it will :) My sister and I play the piano and I can imagine the horror of my parents (and our neighbors!) but as we got better they started to actually ask us to play. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYou article really makes me laugh. I am so happy that your daughter gives an interest to learn new things like this and I am just hoping for her learn it easy so that she will make a good sounds that you will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteNow I know what to expect, should one of my kids decide to take up the violin, or any instrument. Such a funny story! I love your patience and encouragement towards your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is funny, I got my daughter a violin, it did not cost $1,000. That is a crazy price, are they mad? Anyway, I never knew that an instrument so small can be so loud. She already plays the guitar, ukulele, piano and voice. She really wanted the violin. Next on the list is a Cello. You'll get over it.
ReplyDeleteI always wish my parents put me through violin lessons! How exciting for your daughter - I think it is an absolutely beautiful instrument.
ReplyDeleteI can feel what you going through I bought a beginners keyboard for my kids, they are not started lesson. They are making noise thinking that it is music. As a mom I appreciate that even though it is not true. Hope your daughter study violin and play well.
ReplyDeleteAwww that's so nice. I really would like to get our eldest to study a stringed instrument. Sadly, we cannot afford to buy a violin and pay for lessons anymore. :(
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that your daughter is so committed to this! And I could not stop laughing - I would be the exact same as you...def wishing I bought earplugs.
ReplyDeleteBwahaha! Ruby's face! I wonder what instrument Shelby will choose!
ReplyDeleteI just had this experience with a cello, last year!!! Your doing awesome, she'll get only better by your support! Keep finding things to laugh about, and when she has a child learning the trumpet you both can enjoy this memory.
ReplyDelete"Sick violent ostrich!" Lol. I feel you. My daughter tried violin lessons ages ago, and it sounded just like that.
ReplyDeleteI wish her well on her journey. I played the clarinet in the 6th and 7th grade so it is good to get kids to play an instrument young.
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm sure my parents went through this with me, I started playing in around year 3 I think and carried on unto high school until I got unwell. It is a great experience to play any sort of instrument.
ReplyDeleteHoly crap - $1,100!?!?! I can understand though. I remember the recorder days with all 4 of my kids..I think I may have hid one of them once... bad mom lol
ReplyDeleteMan, can I so relate to this. Guitar was my daughter's obsession, but thankfully she has gotten better over the years.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter plays piano, and it isn't that bad. She has progressed so much in the past year that I enjoy hearing her practice now.
ReplyDeletePractice makes perfect so it'll sound better sooner or later. This reminds me when my son played the trumpet. We had to listen to him practice too.
ReplyDelete-LYNNDEE
this post brought back so many memories of when i used to play the violin ha - my mom hated it in the beginning lol. i stopped after a few years ;)
ReplyDeleteI remember when both of my older two started on in band. Those first few weeks of learning how to play an instrument was burning my ears, even though they were playing in their bedroom with their door closed. It was still awful. My daughter stuck with it and went on to marching band. She loved it. My son gave it up and moved to drama instead. I can't wait until we go through this with my youngest, it will be here before I know it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how loud violin is but, any instrument can really fill the home. My daughters play guitar.
ReplyDeleteHa ha I know that sound and my teeth were grinding together when I was reading it. I hear your pain, but keep encouraging her and she will get better.
ReplyDelete4 out of 5 of our kids played a musical instrument from 3rd -12th grade. Two of them played the violin. If she sticks with it, you'll be amazed at how much she improves after the first year.
ReplyDelete