2nd Lesson

A hiatus of 2 weeks and me and Oliver were back at the music course for beginners last Saturday. This was actually the 1st lesson proper, the one 2 weekends ago was a briefing and orientation.

We were late and Oliver resisted entering the classroom even though I was carrying him. He was his usual self, clinging to me and not too participative. However, when it came to playing with the little instruments like handbells, castanets and shakers, he was ok and could identify almost all of them when teacher Elaine asked the kids to pick it up. It was followed by singing and appreciation of the high notes, where the kids had to flap their arms like a bird whenever the teacher played the high keys. When Elaine asked if anyone knew how to sing "The farmer in the Dell", Oliver sang out the few lines.

Then it was "keyboard time"! A 10-minute session where the kids sat with their parent at the keyboard, and this was the time when they were most excitable.

Elaine did something different from the previous session, and perhaps it was to stop this other kid from irritating the hell out of everyone as he was whining and banging on the keyboards. Elaine first got him out to the piano, made him bow to the audience, and allow him to tap on the high keys. Next was this girl who did the same thing.

After that she asked if there was any volunteer. To my surprise, Oliver put up his right hand. He gamely walked out from his keyboard seat on his own, and took his bow at the piano (like a planist in a concert), and played on the piano. Although it was just a couple of notes, I could already imagine him to be performing at Carnegie Hall, or maybe Victoria Concert Hall... or maybe Esplanade.

Shoes

Nowadays when Oliver is angry or throwing a tantrum, he would remove his shoes and socks in protest, just to let us know he's not happy or he wants our attention.

Very irritating when I need to wear them back again... but at the same time very funny too. That's how he expresses his anger.

First Music Lesson at Mac's Music School

My first attempt to enhance Oliver's musical ability was almost half a year ago, when we went to the Music for Young Children at newton. The teacher was reluctant to accept Oliver as she found Oliver not ready for her lessons. With my failed attempt to register Oliver, I decided to enrol into the same music school as Oliver's weekend buddy, Jiajun at Mandeville Music School in United Square. It was again another failed attempt, as the school released the slot to another student as I was unable t o make a deposit due to my extremely busy work schedule just before we left for Hokkaido. Even when I appeal and almost begged for a place, the school could not allocate a place for Oliver. Desperate, I decided to surf the website and found another possible option - Mac'sMusic School at Forum Galleria.

Not wasting anymore time, I emailed the school asking for the next available course. Perhap it was all fated. The school was starting the course just the coming saturday which I sent the email. I was also quite happy that Oliver could sit in the lesson to find out if he is ready before registering him. Mac, who founded the school, is probably a very flexible person. He also allowed us to observe the violin course which he taught himself.

Saturday came. I enjoyed my Saturday moment with Oliver. Just the two of us taking the train from Tanjong Pagar to Orchard station, followed by a breakfast stop at Dunkin Donut. We then strolled to Forum Galleria and reached them 20 minute earlier. Oliver, like us, is extremely introvert. I thought it would be good if we reach them early, so that Oliver could take in the sight and sound, the new environment and the people running the school.

At 11am, Teacher Elaine started her briefing to a class of five children accompanied by their parent. These kids are all borned in year 2007, while Oliver is the only kid from year 2006. I wonder if I might have started Oliver too late. Indeed, Oliver was very shy as compared to 07 kids and was always hiding behind our back away from the rest. Boon Heng arrived in time from his work to accompany us. I was quite worried about the reaction of the teacher and the parents who sat in; whether they find Oliver hindering the progress of the class in any way. The only positive moment was when he had a chance to play the keyboard. He was full of confidence when he 'played' the key and responded to the teacher. You can say that Boon Heng and I were so elated and relieved that all was not lost and there was still hope.

After class, Elaine shared that she also had students who did not participate during class for almost two terms and she would not force them to participate. These students picked up the skills quietly and learned better when left alone. It was comfort to hear this from Elaine.

Hesitate no more, I sign up Oliver and look forward to our first lesson.