Villa Lobos Prelude #1 now--he's once again engrossed by the feel of playing and the sounds and it is such a pleasure to listen to him practice. He memorizes the music and then as he practices he works on parts and learns to make the sounds correctly. I had such a difficult time memorizing music when I was taking piano lessons--I am in awe of his ability to do this, but I won't say anything, because I don't want to jinx it.

Meanwhile, with birthday cash he bought a big electronic pedal of some sort for the electric guitar, and I've walked in at his dad's house to find him lounged on the floor, in the dark, totally engrossed in making amazing sounds come out of the electric. What a rock star. . .

Paying for these lessons has been difficult. My bank balance would be healthier without the monthly expense, but this is easily the best money I've spent over the last three years, to hear him totally engrossed and entertained by the process of learning is what every parent can only hope for.

I've thought about Nick's recording of his son's work. Until my son is ready to start recording things himself, I won't try to record anything for playing here. When he's ready, we'll know. But I would love one day to have recordings of his playing just for the pleasure of listening, so I hope that day comes sooner rather than later.

What a musical adventure this has become!

SRS