Since I have played piano, my mother (aka MamaDaisy, who is the grand young age of 78!) has often said she would like to learn.

"No problem" say I. "I can teach you".

So, today we sit at the piano with her tutorial book, and I go through the basics of finding all the A's, B's, C's etc up and down the keyboard, then finger numbers, staves, and counting.

"Ooh...I'll never remember all this!" says MamaD

"It'll take time, but you'll eventually get the hang of it with practice. Read your book as much as you can at the piano, whilst playing a couple of keys to practice your counting. Do you want me to go over anything again, or is there anything you want to ask?"

"Yes" says she......"When will I fit in doing my knitting?"

" " say I.


We're (supposedly) booked for half hour every Wednesday morning. Watch this space....

Well done Daisy and MamaDaisy. Hope it continues to go well

Seconded! Many years ago I tried to teach my girlfriend to play, and it nearly spelled end of our relationship

Aw, how lovely! Good luck xxx

I just find it so encouraging that MamaDaisy wants to learn, and that DC has the grace to give it a go. Well done!

This is fantastic!!!! Well done to MamaDaisy for starting to learn to play and you for teaching her!!!

Oh how I wish I could be a fly on the wall for these lessons - perhaps you will be able to write a book about it in years to come

When I was first married, my completely non-musical husband decided he wanted me to teach him the piano. "I have chosen my first piece!" he proudly announced, clutching Rachmaninov's C# minor prelude...
Luckily he bought himself a guitar the following weekend, and I don't teach that

Go MamaDaisy! Does she know you've got her name down for the July concert




As long as you don't let her needle you

Yay go for it ! I taught my daughter some theory, but wouldn't dare try the piano, though I gave advice when she asked for it ! But these family things can be a bit fraught.

Some people at that age a pretty quick at picking things up. My Mother in law passed her driving test at 75 ! (She has now recently stopped at 85, as did my father who was 90 last week)

Ooooh 'eck Daisy. The best of bloomin' British luck.
Seriously, hope it all goes well, and we hear Mama at a Forums do.

You are both of you a great inspiration!

Big hug to MamaD for being so brave.

I'm sure you are a brill teacher Daisy!

When is the first duet? Bravo to you both.

Aww, I think that's really nice!

Go DC and MamaDaisy!!!

I taught solfège to my mum for about three years...and to Bagpuss for the same length of time...

Thanks very much to all of you! She said she was going to keep quiet about it (in case she didn't like it), but two of my sisters rang this evening and she told both of them! She's keener (I hope!) than she likes to let on.

<---- Wonders if it is appropriate to give discounts when teaching one's mother?

Great stuff DC and Mama DC! Watching the space. It's so good to hear about this.

Good for Mamadaisy...and well done Daisychain for teaching her! Look forward to hearing you both play at a forum event!

Fantastic! I have to take my hat off to your mum; I have never met someone of her age with such a zest for life, wit and fantastic character.

At the end of the day that's something else to keep her mind active and busy no matter what she achieves. Good on her!

Hope it continues on well, DaisyChain

Hope MamaDaisy continues to enjoy her lessons. Tell her that all the finger exercise will keep her hands supple for her knitting

Don't know how I missed this...well done to both of you!

I have to say that Daisy Chain is one of the kindest and most patient people I have met, so I can see it working.

Awww...that's very nice. Thanks Bev. x

I think this is fantastic. What a great example of "you're never too old". Brilliant.

Just a word of warning - I tried to teach piano to my husband. He was the naughtiest pupil I ever had to deal with. Completely immune to even my sternest look.

*wonders if it possible for any husband to cultivate this kind of immunity?*

Mine has!!!