Little Violins

I was in love with my little violin.

It was so beautiful!

Call me crazy, but to me, it was almost like a living thing –

Sort of like a new kitten.

I didn’t know how to make it sing, but I was determined to learn.

With Dad’s help, I taught myself to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Finally, the day came!  It was time for my first music lesson!

I was pretty nervous.

10 years old, I shyly walked into the studio, clutching my little violin tightly.

Miss Suzy was brilliant and fun and my fear melted away.

She was kind and pretty, and I thought she was the best violinist in the whole world!

By the time our first lesson was over, she had taught me a lot of things I didn’t know before -

Like how to play Hot Cross Buns, and what quarter notes were.

And she told me, “Never touch your bow hair – and always loosen your bow

Before you put it back in the case.”

I wanted to start practicing as soon as I got home.

Mom set the oven timer for 15 minutes.

That was about 13 years ago.  I am turning 23 next month.

Rose, my little sister, just turned 8.

She wants to do what her big sister does,

So I bought her a little violin for her birthday!

I don’t have a whole lot of money; I had to buy a cheap model.

But she doesn’t think it’s cheap.

She loves it, and thinks it is beautiful.

I am teaching her how to play.

She played Good King Wenceslas for me this morning!

I am changing her life.

I am giving her soul a new voice to sing with.

I am helping her achieve a desire of her heart.

I am giving her the chance to share her heart with all the rest of us

In a unique and wonderful way.

I want to give her what Miss Suzy gave me!

I want to share what I have been given!

I love this job!  I love spreading music!  I love it!

I want to teach children to play their little violins.

I only have two students so far: Rosie and Kelsey.

I haven’t been teaching for very long yet,

But I already think

This will change Rose’s life, and Kelsey’s life.

I haven’t been teaching for very long yet,

But I already think

This job could change my life too.

Like Miss Suzy was before me,

I want to be pretty.  I want to be kind.

I want to be a Song Giver.