Musically Inclined?

One of the many things I adore about my little boy is his absolute love and passion for music. We both really want our kids to appreciate music and to learn to play an instrument. The musicality that runs in Zech's family is extensive, so we hope that he may be somewhat musically inclined??

I think most people know that musical talent that runs in my family. First on my Dad's side. Grandpa H taught himself to play the violin and accordian. My Dad had an amazing voice and sang in the glee club at school, plus he loved listening to music. My Aunt Zenia took up Opera Singing, and Aunty Jane is very talented on the piano. Uncle Randy has a great voice, plays piano and there are numerous other insturments that he took up as well.

My Mom's side is also talented. I note my Aunty Elaine's love and appreciation for all kinds of music. My Mom, sang at church growing up when she was little and my Aunty Laurel took up piano (I remember always begging her to play the Music Box when she came over).

And of course my brother, sister and I all took piano lessons and played in the band at school. My sister and I did go quite far with our piano and I am actually one level away from having my certification to teach piano (both in piano and theory). The sad part is I haven't really touched the piano since I left home.

Now what most people don't know is the musical talent in JOhn's family. John's Grandpa Gooch was a remarkable trumpet player, he also played the violin, and the organ. He was with the Salvation Army in the war and was in charge of the entertainment and church services during the war at the various camps. John's Dad also played the trumpet and is really quite good too.

John's Grandma (mom's mom) was a piano prodigy. She could play anything by ear and was amazing. Apparently she could have been a concert pianist and received numerous scholarships, but she gave it all up to marry and have kids. Even in her 80s, my in-laws put in the Adrea Boccelli CD and she went straight to the piano and played it--perfectly.

Now John also has learned to play a few instruments. He can play the trumpet, drums and is learning guitar. His sister also played the organ.

So with this extensive list of musical talent in both our families, maybe our kids will have the desire and ability to play too. I think it has already started. Zech loves to jam with Daddy on the guitar. John also just recently brought out his trumpet and played a bit and now Zech will bring the case to him and ask him to play. Plus he had to try it himself.

He also LOVES to dance. If we put on some music that he likes, he will come and ask me to dance (Mommy dance?). Of course I can't refuse and we dance! It is so cute!