Playing the piano . . . . . .

February 14, 2005

I have always believed that music is the language of the soul. The alter ego of the mind and the sensitivity of the heart. But I have also believed in this fact, “great pianist are born, never made”. I am writing this blog because yesterday I saw talent. I saw a skill that went beyond the books, the techniques and other musical teaching structure. In short, I saw my cousin.

Similar to my childhood, this cousin of mine is very silent. He is neither talkative nor playful with his cousins in the family. He only had one partner in the clan, but this partner of his migrated to the states. Therefore, during family gatherings, he is either alone or spends the time talking to my dog Franky.

Every weekend my mom and I visit my dad’s mauseleum at Manila Memorial Park. This weekend was different in the sense that, instead of spending 8 hours in the cemetery, we chose to spend half of it with my relatives who just came home from the states. Anyway, as to any family gathering, we were all talking, chatting on how life is now on North America and stuff like that. After some time they wanted me to play the piano but I was not in the mood to do so. Playing the piano is like sex. If you feel like doing it then you will exemplify grace in your music and receive a standing ovulation “este” ovation for your performance. But if not, well, you will just hurt yourself. Your hand will ache and, you know what I am saying. Anyway, my uncle told me that this cousin of mine knew how to play. Even when my relatives especially my mom told me to play something I chose to egg on my cousin and told him to show us his repertoire.

Reluctantly he sat down on the piano and accepted the challenge. As soon as he placed his fingers on the keys, I saw talent! I cannot believe my eyes because this cousin of mine never had any lessons before. My tito and tita were grooming my other cousin for the piano. As the first note was played, I suddenly exclaimed, WOW! Don’t stop, do it again. It was a magnificent show of creativity and expression of emotions in the music that came out of the piano. I cannot believe my ears and eyes knowing that this cousin of mine, no matter how introvert he may seem, he had the potential in the making.

Everyone thought that it was his sister that had the gift of music, no one realized that he had better potential and more to show. I was so happy that instead of playing the piano, I played the part of a listener, sitting in awe of the music that my cousin was playing.

Sometimes, parents must not look on what they want for their kids. Rather, they should find out what their children’s strengths are. It is evident that God has given us different gifts. No one has it all. God has equally distributed talents in all of us. Playing the piano is one example because not all can pound the keys. Not all can express themselves through music. And certainly not all can shout to the world that I am very good in playing the piano . . . . .