"Daddy, what's a Governor?"

When our two kids -- Gena and Jeff were about three-something years old, we started violin lessons at OCU. The method of instruction was and is called The Suzuki Method. They took lessons each week and about once a month we had 'Stage Day', where the kids all demonstrated their skill levels, in front of an audience of adults. This allowed the kids to learn stage presence and confidence at an early age, as they learned to play their violins.

When Gena was five, and had taken to the violin like 'a duck to water', she was asked to play for Oklahoma Governor George Nigh at the Blue Room in the Oklahoma State Capitol building. Paula and I dressed up for the event and also dressed little Gena up in her Sunday best and we headed toward the Capitol. Paula and I were so excited for her (and so proud we could barely stand it). We were talking on and on about the event --- until Gena leaned over the front seat from the back seat where she had been sitting. Gena said: "Daddy?" I said: "Yes, honey, what is it?"
Gena asked: "Daddy, what's a Governor?"

Paula and I nearly died laughing. Here we were, driving along and going on and on about this very cool opportunity to show off our little girl, who had just turned four. We were very impressed with the prospect of her playing before Governor Nigh. Gena didn't have a clue what a Governor was. As it turned out, Governor Nigh's plane couldn't make it (weather or something-- I don't remember), so we got all dressed up for nothing. Oh well -- we all got to be together and it still made for a fun memory...

When Gena and Jeff were little people they played for a lot of adults and learned, over time, to be confident, competent adults. Music was good for their development. Gena stayed with it....while Jeff lost interest in the violin when he discovered girls at about age 14.

We recommend music lessons for kids. It's a good discipline, like making kids eat their green beans and take baths...when it is fun, kids look forward to the lessons. Kids can be taught to love a discipline that takes time and effort. They learn self-worth, confidence --they also learn how to push the envelope of their own capabilities. This brings about even greater confidence. They learn to perform without anxiety before audiences, and this can change the course of ones' life.

Now we watch another generation of our family learn music the Suzuki way...little Raegan has taken up the violin. I'm telling you--- it's enough to melt this old granddad's heart to see that little girl learn something that will change her life forever!