As a kid I was taught violin, maybe aged 8 to 12 or so. I was told I had a good ear, but didn’t really gel with it and, as I guess with most kids, I didn’t like practising and in the 1960s it was very uncool, with other people learning guitar. I gave up, and parents said I’d regret it. I said I wouldn’t. They were right!
However that was not the end for my violin playing: At about age 18 I dug it out, painted it black, and electrified it with home-made pickups, and from time to time made a noise with it, but didn’t progress - a few years late my younger brother had a friend who wanted an electric violin to play in a band, and I lent it. Unfortunately it was never given back…
Roll on another 20-30 years and I picked one up cheap, took it to a luthier and had it adjusted and set up properly, which made a lot of difference to playability. And then started to play a bit (no lessons) and found a very big difference in my own ability, which I put down to two things: firstly I wanted to, and secondly - and quite significantly - I found I had a feel for the music, finding that unlike as a kid when I stood there woodenly holing the violin and bow, I now move with the sound, bending and rocking at least my whole upper body- and the violin responds!
After I retire next year I intend to put serious time into learning to play the instruments I have properly (violin, guitar, keyboard, and while he still lives at home my son’s cello, otherwise I’ll have to get one as I love its sound.
I was hoping that COVID and working from home might encourage me to pick up my guitar and actually learn, alas I find my self working even longer hours than ever.
Took Piano lessons as a kid, I was pretty good and went up as far as Grade 3, hated it though with all the scales and arpeggios etc and eventually gave it up, my Mum was disappointed and said I’d really regret it when I was older, as always she was right! However if I had been taught in a less formal way with music I actually enjoyed I probably would have kept it up.
Yes, I thought that too. One of my sons had piano lessons, and was progressing slowly, but a change if teacher, who brought in other things with a jazzier style and some rock n roll piano and not focussing on grades and he regained interest …which included doing the grades!
Oh I’d missed the news about Pete’s son, just spotted it now. I echo David, I hope all’s well, take care of yourself and have a lovely Christmas Pete.
Cheers,
Eoin
Guys thanks but I’m fine. We had our Christmas last Sunday with the family we could see, and had the in laws here for a few days and obviously a few things happening unexpectedly haven’t had a lot of time for music. Also took my Alfa for a run to Gloucester to see a friend and only got back last night. Gloucester is a beautiful little country town about 3 hours north west from my place that’s been in drought for a few years it was wonderful to see it green, rivers running and dams full. It rained for 14 hours again while I was there.
Got to feel for you guys especially those that are in lockdown or heading that way, this damn virus is a curse.