Isaac
Lifelong Learner
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- Joined
- Mar 14, 2017
- Messages
- 9,891
The only thing better than music is being able to play an instrument! So incredibly satisfying and useful.
When we were little, my mother, who was a professional-grade pianist, "required" all 5 children to take piano lessons (from her) starting at about age 6-7. The rule was, when you're older, and you know enough to intelligently assess your options, you can switch to something else--but you'll never regret being able to read notes or have the discipline to practice, (although you might regret the spankings for failing to!)
My oldest brother switched to guitar and became pretty much professional-grade. Another brother & myself switched to drums, and never became anything beyond enthusiastically mediocre, although I did my share of drumming in a few tiny bands that did high school graduations for rich kids, and a number of small churches.
About a year ago, as the story I'm told goes, my wife was talking to my mother on the phone (a somewhat rare occurrence). My mother asked whether or not I'd like to have a piano again for my birthday (as her sincere hope was always that I'd take up playing the piano). Apparently my wife, experiencing a terrible lapse in judgment, said something like "Sure!" A few weeks later, a $2,000 high quality, full size keyboard appeared at my door.
It now feels like I am a child again. Mom expects me to make some progress, here, but I was wholly unexpecting this new hobby and have made very little! Maybe tonight I'll try Amazing Grace again, in the key of C of course!
Never accidentally express casual interest in something near your birthday that you don't wish to actually become part of your living room!
When we were little, my mother, who was a professional-grade pianist, "required" all 5 children to take piano lessons (from her) starting at about age 6-7. The rule was, when you're older, and you know enough to intelligently assess your options, you can switch to something else--but you'll never regret being able to read notes or have the discipline to practice, (although you might regret the spankings for failing to!)
My oldest brother switched to guitar and became pretty much professional-grade. Another brother & myself switched to drums, and never became anything beyond enthusiastically mediocre, although I did my share of drumming in a few tiny bands that did high school graduations for rich kids, and a number of small churches.
About a year ago, as the story I'm told goes, my wife was talking to my mother on the phone (a somewhat rare occurrence). My mother asked whether or not I'd like to have a piano again for my birthday (as her sincere hope was always that I'd take up playing the piano). Apparently my wife, experiencing a terrible lapse in judgment, said something like "Sure!" A few weeks later, a $2,000 high quality, full size keyboard appeared at my door.
It now feels like I am a child again. Mom expects me to make some progress, here, but I was wholly unexpecting this new hobby and have made very little! Maybe tonight I'll try Amazing Grace again, in the key of C of course!
Never accidentally express casual interest in something near your birthday that you don't wish to actually become part of your living room!
