Meet the "Lookerson's"

[Larry Trischetta]

Debbie. I think what you do with children is great. Not only is it a way to
have them eventually leave the room, but for that short time, they are
exposed to the world of pianos that their friends never see and better yet,
you never know what that short experience will lead to. maybe that's all it
will take to spark an interest in pianos, whether it be playing or working
on them. Or it may just be the starting point that will lead to something
else positive for them.  Special moments for children last a lifetime and
influence them in ways we take for granted. I remember special moments in my
childhood that I can relate to my interests as an adult. All my life I
remember one moment when I was 4 years old when my Mother played the scale
from C to C and I can still picture at eye level, the keys and how the sound
came out when they went down. That sparked my interest in pianos and music
in general. I always let kids get involved... you just have to be in
control.

 

Here's a great thing to do with younger ones if you have the action pulled
on a grand and they are standing there looking in awe; Do the spring test
where you catch the hammer on the backcheck and keep it there until you have
the kids say a magic word and (releasing pressure on the key as in the test)
let the hammer pop up. but only when they say the magic word. It's great fun
and you look like a magician to them! Now you are really in control. and it
could be their magic moment!

 

Larry Trischetta

 

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Michael Magness
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 11:08 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Meet the "Lookerson's"

 

 

On Feb 10, 2008 9:45 PM, <pianolady50 at peoplepc.com> wrote:

When confronted with noisy or curious young children I ask if they would
like to help me for a little bit.  I show them what key to play and how hard
(loud) to play it while I tune it for them.  They are intrigued and thrilled
to help for about three notes.  Then they get bored and leave the room so
they won't have to help anymore.

 

One such child's father was intimidating just to talk with.  He was a
government profiler.  I always felt like I was under a magnifying glass.

 

Debbie Legg

 


I don't mind those who have a genuine interest, I can go on and on, I enjoy
my subject and don't mind educating my customers. I keep a close eye on them
for that tell-tale glaze in their eye that tells me they aren't all "that"
interested anymore.

 

As for the kids that want to watch, I'm concerned about them getting into my
tools and perhaps grabbing something sharp, so with mom or dad's help we
make a rule that they can watch from the sofa or chair and usually whithin
10 to 15 minutes they're either asleep or wander away.

I always tell 'em up front that it's just as interesting to watch as
watching grass grow or paint dry!

 

I can't recall the last time I was intimidated or irritated at having anyone
listen/watch while I tuned as long as they were quiet.

 

Mike

-- 
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of SMART?
Michael Magness
Magness Piano Service
608-786-4404
www.IFixPianos.com
email mike at ifixpianos.com 

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