Octavia decided since Vinyl was teaching DJing to Scootaloo, she would teach the cello to any pony who answered her ad but she couldn't have imagined who would answer. Spike the dragon number one assistant of Princess Twilight Sparkle. “Spike, why would a dragon want to learn how to play the cello? If you don't mind me asking.”
“Classical is really romantic style of music and I want to impress somepony by knowing how to play it. Plus, I could play for Twilight and Applejack when they have dinner dates at the castle as well,” Spike responded.
“Okay let’s begin.”
Octavia gave Spike a violin and a music sheet. “Um, this is a violin.”
“Yes it is Spike I will be teaching you as I was taught. One must master the violin before they can learn the cello.” Spike gulped as he realized that he had a long road ahead of him.
After a few hours, they stopped. “Okay Spike, I think that is enough for today. You did really well for your first time playing take that violin and music sheet book home with you and practice as much as you can before when you're not here and you’ll be a top musician before you know it.”
Spike smiled that everything was going to plan. (I’m glad my lesson went well I hope Rarity will enjoy the music i play for her when i’m a top musician.) Then Spike saw Scootaloo walking with Vinyl who had been teaching Scootaloo how to be a DJ for months. This was why Octavia decided to offer the services for teaching.
“Hey Spike! Thanks for another awesome DJ session DJ-Pon3.” Scootaloo said as Vinyl nodded towards her student before entering her home. “How was your first lesson with Octavia?”
“It went well she started me on violin, but she said I started well. So with hope I’ll be mastering cello soon.”
“I’m doing great as well and I think Vinyl is happy. It’s hard to get a read of her since she doesn’t talk and she always wears her badass glasses.”
“Why not ask Octavia she knows Vinyl best.”
“Your right Spike I’ll go ask her, see you later.” “Bye Scootaloo.” Spike smiled as he headed home to practice.
Later that evening, “So your first lesson went well Spike?” Asked Twilight. “Yeah, I learned so much already.” “Well no pony I know is better when it comes to classical. Plus, I’m glad you're learning.” “Thanks Twilight.”
“Okay ya two, let's focus on other things while we eat.” Applejack said, placing the plates in front of Twilight and Spike.
“Ok AJ, that’s only far it is still early to talk like Spike is already a top musician.” Starlight then entered from the kitchen with two more plate her own and Applejack’s. As the four sat down for dinner, each had talked about their day. Although Spike was asked not to practice too loud by Starlight, he was in luck to have Twilight cast a sound proofing spell over his room to make sure Spike’s music would wake anypony. “Now Spike, don’t practice until too late or you’ll be tired for your lesson tomorrow.”
The next day Spike was asked to play with Scootaloo who has learned that Vinyl was amazed by how far she had come. Scootaloo was given title of junior DJ the second highest which means she was close to being a full DJ. Spike was determined to catch up up with her. His determination lead him to make a bunch of mistakes, while Scootaloo was flawless in her performance. “Spike what's wrong you today?” “What do you mean?” “You seemed more focused on competing with Scootaloo.” Spike went silent as Octavia looked at him with disappointment on her face.
“Listen Spike I want you to focus on your own music and not worry about being as good as Scootaloo she is much further along with her lessons.” “Okay I’m sorry it won't happen again.” Spike felt really bad that he had let a non existent competition so over the next few session he put as must effort as possible and more. In that time, Scootaloo was promoted to a DJ and had even started doing shows here she DJ while Sweetie sings and Apple Bloom and Tender Taps dance. As for Spike, he had finally got moved from playing a violin and to a cello but soon after another problem arose.
Spike wanted to quit playing when he heard Rarity’s news that she was pregnant and engaged. Twilight had to convince Spike that despite the news about Rarity he should continue his lessons. “Spike, listen I know the whole reason you wanted to learn the cello was to impress Rarity, but you shouldn’t give up because she is starting a family.”
Spike who had been crying looked at Twilight with tears in his eyes and said “I guess you’re right, Twilight.” Spike got up and headed out to Octavia’s to continue his lessons.
Octavia was glad to see Spike return and she happened to continue teaching the young dragon how to play the cello. As the weeks passed, Spike got better and better with the cello. Octavia surprised Spike one day by telling him that she booked him his first show, she was originally asked to do the show but she already was booked for that day and could do both. Spike’s first show went well and everyone came to see him Twilight & Applejack, Rainbow Dash & Soarin, Fluttershy & Lightning Bolt, Rarity & Orange Sky, Pinkie Pie & Boker Horizon and Starlight Glimmer.
Spike got praise from his friends, but the one that most stood out was Rarity. “Oh Spike, that was some of the best music I’ve ever heard in my life.” That stuck with Spike and makes him happy that Twilight stopped him from quitting. Even if he can’t impress Rarity as he had hoped, he make a promise to himself to keep play as it makes her happy to hear his music. Octavia also was delighted to hear that the show went well. “I’m very proud of your progress Spike and you should be too.”
“I am and I’m glad you got me that first show I read that the first show is the hardest and even though I was nervous, but I go through it.” “Good, you’re ready to go on your own. But if you ever need help or anything like that come back.”
“Thanks Octavia, I’ll remember that.”
