ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MOTHER’S PERSISTENCE

Raising a Parent, What About Tomorrow? The Experiences of One Family by Aaron Liberman, Ph.D.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MOTHER'S PERSISTENCE

This article really stirred memories in me. I truly believe that all parents at some point want to believe their child is gifted, musically or otherwise. Having read the article I was instantly reminded of my musical ability, none, which was thrust onto me in 5th grade. My father in this case played saxophone, not professionally but for his enjoyment. He played fairly well and I remember sitting in my room doing homework while he blew his horn. There were times I would pick up the sax and he would show me briefly how to hold it, and blow into it. I remember his favorite music was jazz, and I can still hear the sounds in my head from time to time when I think about his playing.

That year my mother decided I had a musical ability, and would take lessons from Becker Music, as well as join the school band. I tried as hard as I could to talk her out of it, to no avail, and even tried to get my father to intervene on my behalf. He felt that it would be good for me to try an instrument, and my mom said it would keep me busy, and out of trouble. So for the next three years I endured both music lessons and band practice. At first it was painful to go to both, but within time I began to look forward to going. Especially since I could by then play some actual songs, not just notes.

Over the next three years I came to enjoy playing the saxophone, and at one point considered taking it in high school as well. But with sports looming in front of me, and my desire to be a jock I went for the athletics and not the band. That was an area that I did excel in and found my niche in both football and track. Now that I am in college, I do look back at that and realize that I do have some musical ability, and had I continued to play the sax I may have even been fairly good. I still enjoy my dad playing his sax, and I realize I am drawn musically to jazz and the blues in my selection of music. Again, this attraction was influenced by my mom and dad, who truly believed I had talent, and were determined to draw it out of me, whether I liked it or not.