About a year ago, after a hiatus of more than four decades, I decided to resume my piano instruction. Of course, being a bit rusty, I had to start pretty low. I dutifully mastered my first assignment, the theme song from "The Flintstones," which culminated in a performance that sent my family into fits of uproarious laughter. What an auspicious beginning!
But, with one of the best piano teachers in Ann Arbor (a woman who taught my son while he was growing up), I quickly moved from scales to sonatas. Working through Classical, Baroque, and Romantic music has increased my learning exponentially.
For inspiration, I often watch YouTube videos of professionals playing whatever pieces I'm about to learn. But, listening to outstanding musicians also reminds me of my own shortcomings. Perfectionist that I am, playing the wrong notes sends me into quite a tizzy.
But, there are benefits to playing music, perfectly performed, or not. Patience, creativity, and better math skills from note-reading and rhythm-counts are just a few of the rewards for learning an instrument. And, performing for an audience builds both courage and focus, even if it's just on Zoom.
During these challenging times, playing piano has brought me joy, stress-relief, and the opportunity to transcend the confines of this broken world.
If you are inclined to learn an instrument, don't let this pandemic stop you! Thanks to technology, you can connect with teachers and groups from the safety of your own home! You'll reap the benefits of lifelong learning and develop a better appreciation of music by immersing yourself in its transformative beauty.
So, don't be afraid of those "wrong notes." They teach us how to conquer the fears that keep us from growing—and isn't that something we all need right now?