The Miles' Get Musical

Last summer Erik asked if he could take base guitar lessons. I asked what prompted the idea and he said, "Playing base on the games 'Rock Band' and 'Guitar Hero' made me want to play one for real." (Take that Prince!) I didn't question any further and found someone who taught lessons fairly close to the house. I don't know about other moms, but when my child wants to learn something I like to encourage it. Too many times we have to force our children to learn things. When they volunteer I just count my blessings.

I called the local music store to get some leads on teachers and turns out they have a whole crew of music teachers. A clerk recommended their best base guitar teacher and their best guitar teacher. Todd was the first to call me. He said he also taught base, but I had already put a call into the base teacher. I signed Allison up with Todd for guitar lessons. I had almost given up on the base teacher, but he finally called and I set Erik up with lessons from him.


Here is Erik with Todd Weber. He wasn't Erik's original teacher. Erik's base teacher was a bit lackadaisical. He didn't return calls quickly if at all. Also Erik didn't seem as excited about taking lessons as Allison did with Todd. When the fall came I decided to switch Erik to Todd and have both kids take lessons on the same day. I thought Erik would like Todd better and it would save me gas only having to make one trip to the music store. I couldn't believe the difference in Erik's attitude. He really did respond to Todd's style of teaching with the same enthusiasm Allison had. Todd is just a super nice guy and serious about his business. If you call him he calls you back promptly. If you need a reschedule he cheerfully makes it happen.
I told the kids what I wanted for Christmas was for them to play a few Christmas songs for me. They fought like cats and dogs, but they did play me a few songs. I just couldn't believe how well they could play in just 6 short months of lessons. Really made their mama proud. Couldn't have had a better gift. I told them if they kept up with their instruments I would accept a Christmas concert every year. It would be easy on their pocketbooks and would really warm my heart.

PS. I've wanted to take Ukulele lessons for years and haven't been able to find a teacher. Kind of strange I know, but I just love the sound of the Ukulele. I like that it is unusual. Anyhow about a month ago I got this bright idea to ask Todd if he knew anyone since he's in a band and probably knows a lot of musicians. Well, he chuckled and said that he also plays the Ukulele and could work up a lesson plan if I was serious. I said yes I was! For a month now I've been taking lessons with Todd. I see why they like him. His laid back style of teaching is fun and encouraging. If you're not doing something right he is very gentle about getting you on track. He's also free with the compliments when you're doing well. I like that he has a degree in music and can offer a lot of knowledge not just about your instrument, but about music in general. I'm having a really good time being musical again.