Piano Man
Growing up as a pianist wasn’t an easy life. There was lots of practicing and getting your little fingers to move fast. Homework or cleaning the room was always mandatory before playing the piano. When it was time for the piano, engaging both hands at the same time seemed impossible and took a lot of work.
I remember when my parents bought that piano. I was very young. I remember, at the start of the day, how excited I was to see such a huge thing come up the ramp into the house. Little did I know that eventually one day I would play that piano whenever my grand parents would come to visit. I always had fun picturing myself playing my masterpiece in a huge concert hall.
I started taking lessons when I was young. I would go to my lesson, and the teacher would ask me to pass off a few songs. I would always fumble through them. After I made a million mistakes, she would say “Klint that’s not how it goes, try it again.” So I would over and over again until I finally got it right.
The lessons continued. My teacher called my mother and asked if I was practicing. She replied “Yes, I can’t get him off that piano.” So, the teacher, happy with her response, decided to test the waters.
My next lesson was one to never forget. I sat down, as always, fumbling through the song I was trying to pass off. The teacher would say ”Klint that is not how it goes. Look, it goes like this.” So she demonstrated and waited for me to copy her. When I was done playing she looked at me and said, “Klint that’s not right. That’s not the song you’re supposed to pass off. What you just played was a song from Batovin.” Frustrated, she told me she couldn’t teach me anymore.
I was devastated, and felt like I was the worst pianist in the world. I felt like quitting right there and then. Being only a little child, without any explanation of why she felt she couldn’t teach me, I honestly felt like all my practicing and passion for music was over and at a halt.
As my mother picked me up to go home, I told her I wouldn’t play the piano ever again. She told me it would not be up to me. I would have to go home and get on my knees and ask God if there was still a chance I could play the piano. I did pray and ask; I felt and heard the answer in my heart. I was told to never ever quit playing the piano. And being a little child, with an answer like that, how could I? I had such devotion and passion to continue on those keys.
I would play mostly by ear when I would practice the piano. I would practice songs I heard on TV, at school and church. I would pretend I was getting ready for that big concert in the concert hall.
Looking back, I don’t know were I would be without music. I remember I would rather play the piano than eat and sleep. My family would get upset when they would watch TV and I was at the piano. There was something about playing music, that was indescribable. I would be at the piano for 5 hours and look at the clock and feel as if time had stopped. All my troubles disappeared!
I want to thank my family and friends for all their support; for everything they have done for me.
Tags: klint crawford, lds music, lds musician, pianist, piano, utah musician
Music | Klint | 
July 25, 2010 9:49 pm | 
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