Hearts and Flowers

Over the years it has ceased to surprise me that, when I ask small transfer students what it is (or was) about piano that they like (or used to like), the answer often references the candy or stickers they are accustomed to receiving just for showing up.

Even if I thought it was the best pedagogical premise EVER (ahem), candy is not an option in my studio as, obviously, I would eat it all myself.  Stickers?  I quit those suckers cold turkey a couple years ago and haven't looked back.  Novelty erasers?  Trophies?  Ribbons?  No, when it comes to these things, I concur with the kid who confided "Ms. Alison, I'd much rather get a gift card from Target".

How much sweeter it is for me, then, when those periodic outbursts of enthusiasm to which little kids are prone can only be due to their actually liking piano and not an anticipatory sugar high.  Here are some of my favorite impromptu "valentines" this week:

"Ms. Alison, piano could NEVER be boring!" (big shiny eyes, breath held in utter earnestness).
"Ms. Alison, I want to have piano every single day this week!" (bouncing maniacally on bench).
"Ms. Alison, your clock is broken" (perplexed response to being informed lesson is over).
"Ms. Alison, look in my book bag!" ...(moments filled with high suspense)...I spent my ENTIRE RECESS making that for you!" (dedicated artist of today's blog image).
"Ms. Alison, is your real hair colour dirty blonde?" 

Okay, so one of those things is not like the others.  But still.  You.  Can't.  Buy.  Love.  Especially not for the thing YOU love and are trying to teach.  Unless...you happen to have a Golden Retriever in the kitchen who might, maybe, come out to be petted...IF the lesson goes well.  Maybe.  Just sayin'.