Yesterday David seemed very comfortable holding his violin, so I suggested we use his bow to play a few “Mississippi Hot Dog” rhythms.  (Mississippi Hot Dog rhythms are four “Mississippi” sixteenth notes and two “Hot Dog” eight notes in succession.  It is the first rhythm Suzuki string students begin to play.)  With one hand I supported his elbow, and with the other I prepared to guide his hand through a smooth down-bow. 

After the first couple of bowings he twisted away.  He’d been wanting to play on the new violin for days, weeks, months, and this was finally his chance to work at making music on his own.

For several minutes he moved his bow quickly, slowly, sideways and across.  He played over the bridge and around it.  He smiled and frowned, listened and watched.  And then when he considered his work done, he returned the violin and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, his mass of curls pressed hard against my chest.  And then he sighed.  His little cup runneth over.