Ashley’s First Piano Concert

Ashley has been taking piano lesson since July this year.

It has been about 4 months or so but her progress seems pretty good. Along the way, she faced some frustrations as she practised the pieces, coordinating note reading; counting and playing. It does not help that we are all music illiterates. One of the joys for me is that I get to sit in during her piano lessons and thus learn together with her, fulfilling my childhood dream of learning piano.

Sometime in September, the teacher informed us that he will be organising a year end concert and would like Ashley to participate. He intends to hold it in a restaurant which has a white grand piano, followed by dinner. I googled the venue Bliss House at The Central which I never knew existed and was pleasantly surprised. There are many photo opportunities in this garden themed restaurant.

It was decided that Ashley will play Whirleybird and 3 variations of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (duet). However, Ashley seems to get distracted when she plays duet with her teacher. So, 3 days before the concert, her teacher decided that she would play solo. We ran through one round of practising with her how to carry her scores as she goes on stage; how to bow; adjust the bench and bow again after she performs.

We reached Bliss House early and Ashley was so overwhelmed by the decorations. We took many photos and soon it was time for rehearsal. Ashley is the second to perform on the program sheet but due to a last minute addition, she will be the third performer. There was an adult performer amongst all the children and Ashley is the youngest performer. She has decided that she does not want to bring her scores along. I am very proud that my baby was not nervous at all! As she walked towards the stage, she smiled and bowed. She played her pieces well. She smiled and bowed again after she finished her performance. She did receive a loud applause from the audience and I heard someone cheering for her from the back (I am still trying to figure out who he is).

After the concert, we adjourned to the buffet dinner. The food selection was limited but the quality was quite good. Service was good too. Ashley is now looking forward to her next piano concert!