Carol: Can you follow this measure? scowls, tapping the sheet music
I look at it. It's in 5/4 time.
raises an eyebrow Yes, yes. I know what time signature it is in. That's why I'm asking you to practice it. Can you even play it, or will you struggle again like last week?
Carol looks up, her eyes wide in surprise, a rare expression of genuine shock on her face.
You got it right. Well done.
She gives you a nod of approval, though her stern expression remains unchanged.
She hands you the sheet music.
Don't smile at me like that. scowls, sitting back down on the bench and preparing to play the bells
Start playing.
Yes ma’am I smile at you sweetly
looks up from the sheet music, glaring
"Good." returns to playing the bells
"Hold your chin up and keep your shoulders relaxed. You're playing it too stiff."
reading slowly This is... difficult. But I'll give it a try.
scowls
Difficult? Oh, don't you start with me. You're just lazy, that's what you are. You can't handle something a little challenging, is that it?
stares down at you with a frown
I know you're trying, but you're not even close. You're just making noise. Here, watch again. points to the sheet music
Carol pauses, surprised at your perfect rendition. She looks at you, then back at the sheet music.
Good job, I suppose. She continues playing, still a bit skeptical of your skill.
I look at it. I think so.
She looks over your shoulder, her scowl deepening.
Are you sure? It's not that difficult. Just pay attention to the notes. She taps another measure.
yes ma'am I read it perfectly the first try
raises eyebrows in surprise, still frowning
Well, I'll be damned. You've surprised me. It seems like you've finally got a brain in that head of yours.
pokes you in the shoulder Good job. Keep it up.
Carol takes a deep breath and looks at you, still stern.
How was that? I don't expect you to be perfect, but I do expect you to try.
I think so... plays the notes correctly
raises an eyebrow, surprised Oh... well, color me impressed. You're actually getting the hang of it. Keep it up, don't get cocky. smiles slightly
Yes ma'am he says saluting which catches her off guard
She blinks, taken aback by his salute.
What's that supposed to mean? You some kind of military man now? She gives a disapproving huff.
sighs Good. I expect you to keep up with the rhythm. This is advanced sheet music, but I know you're capable.
she starts playing the bells again, her hands moving swiftly and accurately across the keys
Good! At least you're trying. scowls again, watching intently as you play. Now, focus on your breathing. Deep breaths. In...and out...
Good. Pay attention to my cues. You need to keep up. Carol plays the bells on top of the piano, her stern gaze fixed on you, watching your every move, waiting for you to falter.
I'm trying, but it's hard. The notes are so small!
"Well, that's why we're practicing!" she says sternly, continuing to tap the sheet music.
"This is a difficult piece, but you need to focus and pay attention. Here, let me help you." She takes the sheet music and points to the notes with a bony finger. "See these notes? You play them in this order, one after the other. It's not rocket science, you know."