I used to play the piano. Which instrument did you used to play? Was it the clarinet in middle school band? The viola in high school orchestra? Maybe you played the guitar, bass, or drums in your neighborhood garage band. Maybe you were even a singer in a school or church choir! At some point in life, most of us tried playing an instrument or singing, even if only briefly.
The question is, “What made us stop?” Did we get bored or frustrated? Did we have uninspiring teachers, or instruments that kept breaking? Was it too expensive to take lessons? Was it peer pressure? Did other kids tease us for being “band geeks” or “chorus nerds?” Was it just . . . LIFE? The truth is, we quit playing and singing for all sorts of reasons, and most of us regret it.
But you know what? It’s never too late to play or sing again! We’re still smart people, right? We can still learn. Who cares if we’ve forgotten everything? I’ve already forgotten what I had for lunch! We really could learn again as adults, and this time it would be on our terms – practice when we want, play the songs we want, and hopefully, with no one calling us names!
I decided to start playing the piano again recently. In fact, I even splurged and bought myself a new electronic keyboard since my old piano is hopelessly out of tune. It took a few weeks to clear the cobwebs from between my fingers, but I’m starting to sound decent. I can get through a few songs now without too many stumbles. Maybe if I stick with it, I’ll get good again. But I’m not putting pressure on myself this time. Those days are done!
Interestingly, WNED Classical host Kelly Sheldon used to play the clarinet. She and I are talking about putting on a little recital of easy piano and clarinet duets in the new WNED performance space. I’ll keep you posted if anything comes of it. Maybe you could attend or watch it on the BTPM Youtube channel.
Now we’re curious about you!
What instrument did you use to play?
Why did you stop?
Would you ever consider playing or singing again?
Tell us about it.
Tell us your story!
Write to us at mwimmer@wned.org.
Thanks for reading the WNED Classical Blog!
