A couple months ago, I took Amelie to an instrument petting zoo. The Utah Valley Symphony played a short concert and then the local music store arranged to have all sorts of instruments out in the foyer for audience members to try. Amelie tried them all–trombone, cello, violin, trumpet, flute, and more. Before this concert, she and I had talked about starting music lessons. She said she wanted to learn violin. While I was very pleased to hear this, I didn’t want her to choose violin simply because that’s what I play and teach. I wanted her to find something on her own. So we went and listened to the concert and tried out all the instruments (I was kind of hoping she might choose cello) and, lo and behold, she still wanted to learn violin.

I knew it would be fun having her learn my instrument, but I had no idea how much fun. On Tuesday, we arranged to rent a little 1/8 size violin and she was over the moon about her new instrument. She played and played and played. It’s amazing what you can come up with using only open strings! Then on Wednesday, she had her very first lesson with my friend and neighbor, Eliza Bryan. Amelie was very excited about this part. When we agreed that she could start violin, Amelie insisted on taking lessons from “Nan’s mom”. The first lesson went great–Eliza is wonderful and Amelie was thrilled.

Right after we brought her violin home.

During her first lesson. She learned how to shoot her bow like a rocket ship, do pinkie jumps, sing a song about the names of the strings (involving Eeks, Ants, Dirt, and Ground), pluck the strings, and lots of other fun tricks.

She is in heaven! I know the novelty will wear off eventually, but I’m enjoying if for now. It’s so sweet to see and watch her play!