Violin

Shortly after learning the English language, Karla expressed an interest in playing the violin. She has talked about it for the past 2 1/2 years. I don't know where the interest came from! I don't have any experience with string instruments and neither does Jason.

Over the summer I had been doing some research and making lots of calls to various people about a 4 year old taking violin lessons. It isn't that common but I found a place that does a free trial lesson. At the end of summer we went to the trial violin lesson. It went really well and Karla was still interested. We explained she'd have to practice, etc. Well, last Wednesday she had her first official lesson. She has a male teacher and was pretty quiet and shy with him but did everything he asked her to do. I wasn't sure if she was getting everything he was telling her or not. Anyway, when we got home that evening, she practiced. I couldn't believe it - she remembered and did exactly what she was supposed to for homework! She even "plucked" more loudly and confidently. She won't get to use the bow for a while. Jason had a late meeting Wednesday so he hadn't gotten to see her after her lesson. Thursday morning when she woke up, the first thing she did was show him her violin and what she had learned at her lesson! When he got home Thursday night she gave us a "concert" and then taught each of us how to pluck "Mary Had A Little Lamb." I'm hoping the enthusiasm continues!

Here she is playing for Grandpa.

Looking at her homework.

Teaching Grandma to play.