I can totally relate! My mom agreed to guitar lessons at the local music store when I was around 13, and the old guy never smiled and made everything seem like work as he taught me to read and play "La Cumparsita." I wanted to play rock 'n' roll and he taught me a tango song! Of course I quit after a couple of lessons.
My brother's partner also went to Berklee and has spent her life teaching kids how to play the piano. They stay with her for years and years and love it because she focuses on the joy of playing. My friend who teaches violin in a school system also teaches that way and plays in quartets for fun. I think they both view music as an important and desired form of community, as you do.
I now wish I had persevered and learned how to play. Never too late, even with this old brain. Bought the guitar, now looking for a local teacher with the right approach.
"Music is the point of connection for so many of my most rewarding friendships, and I feel especially connected to people when we’ve made lots of music together. Perhaps that means I should make more music in coming years. Make more music; make better friends!"
It is fun to read about your journey, John -- thanks for sharing.
I grew up in a working-class family that couldn't afford music lessons and went to small Catholic schools with no music programs, so I'm entirely self-taught on drums, guitar (Mel Bay didn't work for me, either), and keyboards. I used to rue not having a formal music education until I met countless friends who did and who noted how the process took all the fun out of playing music for them. I'm still writing and playing original music in my 50s and feel like I'm better and more creative than ever. Over time, I've become grateful for my organic, occasionally stumbling path.
I honestly don’t think any of my formal training had much impact on my music. Most of it was negative early on since it made my parents (and to some extent me) feel like I didn’t have any natural talent. Seems like the music ed thing is better now - School of Rock and all.
I can totally relate! My mom agreed to guitar lessons at the local music store when I was around 13, and the old guy never smiled and made everything seem like work as he taught me to read and play "La Cumparsita." I wanted to play rock 'n' roll and he taught me a tango song! Of course I quit after a couple of lessons.
My brother's partner also went to Berklee and has spent her life teaching kids how to play the piano. They stay with her for years and years and love it because she focuses on the joy of playing. My friend who teaches violin in a school system also teaches that way and plays in quartets for fun. I think they both view music as an important and desired form of community, as you do.
I now wish I had persevered and learned how to play. Never too late, even with this old brain. Bought the guitar, now looking for a local teacher with the right approach.
Absolutely no reason not to learn.
"Music is the point of connection for so many of my most rewarding friendships, and I feel especially connected to people when we’ve made lots of music together. Perhaps that means I should make more music in coming years. Make more music; make better friends!"
It is fun to read about your journey, John -- thanks for sharing.
I grew up in a working-class family that couldn't afford music lessons and went to small Catholic schools with no music programs, so I'm entirely self-taught on drums, guitar (Mel Bay didn't work for me, either), and keyboards. I used to rue not having a formal music education until I met countless friends who did and who noted how the process took all the fun out of playing music for them. I'm still writing and playing original music in my 50s and feel like I'm better and more creative than ever. Over time, I've become grateful for my organic, occasionally stumbling path.
I honestly don’t think any of my formal training had much impact on my music. Most of it was negative early on since it made my parents (and to some extent me) feel like I didn’t have any natural talent. Seems like the music ed thing is better now - School of Rock and all.