TOO LITTLE TO REACH THE PEDAL

When my Beethoven Boy was just little, I would say between the ages of five and nine, people would surround him when he played and marvel at his talent. "Look," they would exclaim, "his feet don't even reach the pedal." When I look back at pictures, I understand with greater clarity the reason Christian was such a novelty to people. First of all, unlike many prodigies, he wasn't the least bit shy. In fact, Christian sounded like an adult when he spoke using colourful vocabulary and tremendous clarity. 

HE was incredibly confident and engaging, a most handsome cherub looking child with big blue eyes and tousled sandy-brown hair.



I did not see it with the same eyes, he was my son and my first child. I knew that he was remarkable but I didn't fully realize the extent of his magic.






One most perfect example came to my mind and it took place on a family cruise when Christian was celebrating his seventh birthday. He had been granted permission to play the piano in the formal dining room situated in a tiny alcove about a beautiful waterfall atop two adjoining circular staircases. A performer of the string trio had heard Christian practising earlier in the day and convinced the dining room manager to let him play one piece for the dinner guests at early seating after their set. There were approximately 2,000 guests and Christian wore a darling little black tuxedo with tails for this formal occasion. Christian had often remarked to people that he loved wearing a tuxedo more than any other outfit and in fact, at the age of six, had dreamed he had been born wearing a tuxedo with tails and was whisked from the delivery room right to our city's famous concert hall where he proceeded to conduct the symphony.

 So, it was from the comfort of our dining table that I watched in somewhat awe, my handsome son stride confidently up the staircase with his music bag slung over his shoulder. Once settled, Christian, with the help of his dad, set up his tiny sustain pedal and with a contented look, began to play this beautiful black grand piano. Christian, of course, could not reach the pedal but his music demanded it so this special contraption provided a solution.

I must back up here to tell a memorable story about Christian when we were first packing to go on this special extended trip. Since our travels would include planes, ships, trains and automobiles, it was important to pack only what we (a group of three adults and two young children) absolutely needed and because the cruise would include formal nights, etc. it didn't take long before we had filled everyone's suitcase. Christian's music bag weighed more than our computer and it was then that he announced quite adamantly that he needed another suitcase for his beloved pedal box. His dad immediately trounced that idea explaining that the pedal box weighed twenty pounds, almost the same weight as our small determined little Maestro. My Beethoven boy was absolutely distraught and insisted that he could not travel without his pedal box. Without, he couldn't play properly so it was as essential to Christian as his own hands. He then announced in a very resigned voice that he, our son Christian, would NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL WITH HIS FAMILY TO EUROPE. This story is not the least bit enhanced, this conversation indeed happen.

There instigated an argument resulting with an inconsolable and stubborn six year old musician and a most unhappy father. The voices grew louder and more impatient, both pleading their case, Christian's voice unwavering as he stood touching his instrument and his dad's forehead perspiring with exasperation as his hands were tied about the airline and vehicle restrictions. I am rather embarrassed to say that I sided with Christian on this as the majority of his pieces needed the pedal as much as flowers need sunshine. My husband who was obviously sad and frustrated to have disappointed us finally began researching extension pedals for short, tiny people as Christian weighed less than forty pounds. So, it was with delighted astonishment that my husband discovered on the internet a contraption that weighed only two pounds that promised to strap on the right sustain pedal and would reach up to Christian's foot. We ordered it immediately, despite the fact it seemed too good to be true, and thankfully it arrived one week before our scheduled departure. My husband was full of ideas after his internet find and suggested for Christian's dangling left foot, we use a guitar foot stand. So,It was with great anticipation the first time Christian tried it out, EVERYTHING WORKED BEAUTIFULLY, PERFECTLY!! The family was once again able to breathe and best of all, go on this much-dreamed-about European vacation.

We would not have to leave our six year old son to manage the house for six weeks on his own after all!!

Parenting a gifted child is somewhat like managing a small tornado. For days, there will be calm but when a situation arises that this small human feels is of the most upmost importance, the air will start to churn around him, escalating with his heartfelt emotions and we, his parents, try to calm the storm so to speak. It requires tremendous patience, creativity and impressive negotiating skills.

However, when the storm passes, you have never witnessed such beauty!!

So now, I take you back to the cruise ship, the lovely "Voyager of the Seas," on the Royal Caribbean line.

Christian had chosen a lovely piece to play for this momentous occasion called "Serenata Siero," It opened with flashy arpeggios ending with a dramatic flourish before the gorgeous melody began. It was a moment frozen in time as I heard the beautiful notes begin, my heart beat faster and within a minute, people stopped eating their dinners and started to climb the staircase to hear my son play the piano. Flashbulbs started going off and the flow of people and cameras intermingled into a circle of light. Christian finished playing his piece and the dining room erupted in applause and the volume grew louder as he came to the edge of the alcove to take a bow. People were yelling "Another piece," "Don't Stop," and the dining room manager asked Christian to play every song he knew.


 My little Maestro had connected with people's hearts in that moment with his gift of music. It needed no translation, no explanation. It was beauty and joy in his purest form and I was privileged to witness such a moment! There were so many people that had flocked to the staircase and stood watching Christian play, many with tears streaming down their face. This was the beauty after the storm!

My Beethoven Boy was asked to play every night for the rest of the cruise and there are many more stories left to tell for another post. Suffice to say, it was the right decision to find Christian that little pedal extender as he did indeed need it!