Ty's Take

My husband had little interest in classical piano until he met me. While we were dating, he began attending concerts and competitions with me, listening to professional recordings I suggested, and concerning himself about the nuts and bolts of playing piano. Of course, he has been and remains my best guinea pig audience. Save for my teachers (and maybe my mom), he's the best at determining my performances.

For someone who hasn't had a lesson in his life (me slapping his hands and yelling, "Relax!" when he intentionally makes his hands tense does not count!), he knows a good deal about piano.

Today this was evidenced.

As a part of my practice and self-improvement, I record memorized performances in my living room. The following day, I listen back, make critiques and notes, and then apply changes in my practice. Yesterday, I recorded myself playing Chopin Scherzo No. 1 while he was at work.

Today while he was preparing for work in the back of the house, I began the assessment process with pencil and score in hand and speakers playing. When he came out, I had finished listening. We had a conversation that went something like this:

Ty: Wow, I heard the music and thought, "Jessie's really going at it!"
Jess: Well, that was me. It was my recording from yesterday.
Ty: Really? That sounded great!
Jess: Yeah, I recorded it while you were gone.
*Slight silence*
Ty: I thought the pianist you were listening to had a few sloppy spots.

I think that's a compliment?

Thanks, Babe! Way to be honest! :)