Keegan's Cello & His First "Lesson"

Keegan has his first cello. His cello first belonged to his Uncle Kevin around 14 years ago. Since its been a while since it was played, it was not in the best shape when we took it out of the case (it had a broken neck!) But, after a bit of incredible TLC from a friend of my parents from their church (since the luthier I usually go to basically laughed and said for a cello that size and since it was for a 2.5 year old, it would be better for us to fix it ourselves and he would put the finishing touches on it after it was in one piece) it is as good as new. Well, almost as good as new....the tailpiece broke while I was tuning it today so as soon as I replace that it will be as good as new. But it is still playable right now, so we Keegan had his first "cello lesson" today.

He and I sat down in my music studio at our house, where I teach lessons, and talked about the parts of the cello, he has to know what everything is called! Then we talked about the names of the strings and where to put his hand and fingers to pluck the strings. He only lasted about 10 minutes, but I think thats pretty good for a 2.5 year old! He seemed interested in the cello and told me he wanted to play a song for me. I think we'll take it real slow and see how he does!

Good Job!

Already a budding musician!

Keegan is absolutely already showing signs of an interest in music and is becoming a little musician. He has a harmonica that he got for Christmas from Mimi and Papa that he loves and has really figured out how to play. He can even show you where the high notes are and where the low notes are! He also has a little piano (where he can also show you the high and low notes!) as well as a guitar that he loves to sing and dance along with. He has even shown an interest in conducting, since he has seen me conduct several times. We went to see an orchestra of bears at Christmas time and Keegan proceeded to stand in front and conduct them! He has also, several time, started conducting when he hears music or especially if he sees something he can stand on (to be his "podium") and he'll stand on it, then start conducting! He also has his own "cello" that he likes to play when I play my cello! 

Since we are both musicians we hoped it would be "in his genes" and we think it is! Otherwise, it was going to "have to" be in his genes...no choice with music in this house! :-)

Playing his "cello"

Figuring out how to play his harmonica for the first time.

Playing his harmonica with Daddy

Showing me his high and low notes on the harmonica

Showing me where the high and low notes are on his piano

Singing and Dancing with his guitar 

Conducting with the bears

Our Smart Boy

Keegan amazes me everyday with how fast he is growing up and learning things! He has started putting 3 words together now...."mama sit there", "mama read this", "bless you mama" (after I sneeze or cough....he actually says this to himself too "bless you keegan"). Here are some recent pictures...

Working on his puzzles

I came into my room and found Keegan on the bed, with his book, reading like this.

We went to the Apple store the other night and Keegan loved playing on the computer there.
He later told me when he saw this picture that he was "working".

Lovin his puzzles

Keegan is obsessed with puzzles right now! He will spend so much time working on them!


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