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Monday, April 19, 2010

Heart of the Matter - Learn to Play an Instrument. #fb








A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski

There is something magical about a guitar; A hollow, wooden instrument, with 6 strings strung on top. The strings must be tightened to a particular level and when the strings are played by someone placing fingers in a particular formation, music emerges from it. People that have played instruments have brought peace, change, exhilaration and joy to people throughout the ages.

Maybe a guitar isn't your thing. That's fine, maybe it's keyboard, woodwind instruments, or something else? Did you ever play an instrument when you were school? Remember how it felt to play?

Whether you play by yourself and sing along, or play with others in a band. Music is one of life's greatest gifts. You need to make some.

I encourage you to find that old instrument, and reacquaint yourself with it. The internet has alot of beginner tutorials and videos to help people learn to play just about any instrument. Many are on youtube, and can be viewed for free.

Music helps us release stress, strengthen our creative "muscles", and send out some joy that the world needs so much. Maybe you can find someone to help you recapture the musical skill you once had, and maybe you could find a group that you can play with. Practice takes time and effort, but sharing a musical gift can be worth it.

Just remember, the older you get, the less things you can participate in and call it playing. Learn to play, and share a gift you may have. If you don't have the gift, pass the instrument on to someone who will use it.

11 comments:

JeMA said...

Hi Jeff,
Love your honesty on your blog. Thanks for visiting mine!

Aubrie said...

I totally agree! (But I am biased because I teach flute for a living.) I have a few adult students who love it. It really does provide them with a sense of relief/escape/a way to let go.

Marguerite said...

Hi Jeff! It's so nice to meet you! Music is a huge part of my life and you're right, it is a great stress reliever. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for the follow! Love that T-shirt in your header. lol You have a great sense of humor!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

My minor in college was music and a couple years ago I picked up guitar. I thoroughly enjoy playing, too.

McVal said...

I used to play the piano. and I can only remember how to play Bobcat Boogie by heart anymore... I also played violin up thru college. It's been collecting dust ever since.
I'm using sewing as my instrument these days. It give me a way to be creative. The human body is my blank canvas! And no, that doesn't HAVE to sound dirty...
My husband started bagpipe lessons about 10 years ago and loves it! He plays with his bagpipe band every St. Patrick's day.

middle child said...

Thanks for the reminder!!! I get my piano tuned and yet do not take the time to play it and I do love it. I will now make time. The music is always in my heart.

Koree said...

hahaha your blog makes me laugh!
have a great monday!
http://koreeunveiled.blogspot.com/

Salt said...

I am not musically talented. I tried to learn how to play the bass guitar when I was a teenager and was just not coordinated enough to figure it out (although I will kick some ass playing bass in Guitar Hero!)

One thing I plan to do is get my kids into music lessons if they want to take them when they are young and impressionable. My mom put me in ballet when I would have rather been doing something else. I still fall on my face as an adult, so a lot of good those classes did me.

Janna said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I could totally identify with this post. Back in the day I played Alto sax. I was lucky enough to own a silver one - not so common. I haven't played in years until I recently dug it out of storage at my mom's and let my son have go. I'm passing it down to him so he can enjoy fun times with it like I did.

larainydays said...

My instrument skills have lapsed, but I am enjoying my kids talents (piano, cello, violin) thoroughly. In fact, you might enjoy my son's latest composition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCzzRUUiXS8

tsean said...

So true Jeff!I have a great piano and I still play-but it is 2500km away atm and i can't get it back just yet!But am so looking forward to when I do :)