Maya's Diary
Sunday — Today was my first drum lesson! My teacher, Oliver, has long hair and a loud laugh. He gave me two wooden sticks and said, "Before we play music, we learn to count." So for forty-five minutes, I hit a rubber pad and counted to four. Not exactly rock and roll.
Monday — My arms hurt. I practiced on a pillow because Mom says the real drums are only for the afternoon, when the neighbors are at work.
Wednesday — Second lesson. Oliver showed me a simple beat with the bass drum, the snare and the hi-hat. My right hand, my left hand and my right foot all had to do different things at the same time. My brain felt like it was going to explode. I kept stopping and starting again.
Thursday — I almost gave up. I told Oliver I have no talent. He laughed and said, "Nobody is born with this. Talent is what you call practice when you can't see it." I'm not sure I understood, but I wrote it on a note above my bed.
Saturday — Something amazing happened. I played the beat slowly, and then a little faster, and it worked! My little sister Callie danced around the room. It was only ten seconds, but for the first time I felt like a real drummer.