There are a few things I remember about music lessons from when I was younger. First, I remember the fluteophone, a white plastic wind instrument. A quick check on the internet tells me they still make them. Next came the wooden recorder, another flute-like, wind instrument. I’m not sure what I learned from them.
I also took piano lessons, but I do not recall when they began. I remember my piano teacher was the wife our pastor at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, but her name eludes me. I’m grateful my parents decided to give me lessons. I do remember playing the piano a lot (maybe I was even practicing). Our huge, used, upright piano was in our basement and I spent hours down there either playing the piano or sewing (our sewing machine was down there too.) Later, my parents bought an organ and I learned to play that. It’s all so very interesting to think back on this because I do not remember wanting to learn to play the organ…I guess I did at the time.
I didn’t keep up with organ, or piano, although I wish I had, of course. I still have several of my piano books and sheet music. I look at them now and realize I can’t play the pieces any more.
Our sons took piano lessons and we bought a used, spinet piano for them to play. The only use the piano gets now is if I sit down to play occasionally, for fun. A friend and I use to play duets together, but unfortunately, she moved away, and so the piano sits… (we’re willing to give it away to a good home).
I consider music a universal language. All people, from all nations, read the same notes and measures and rests etc… When our exchange student from Japan lived with us, we used to play the piano together. We both could read the music language.
I am grateful my parents took me to my music lessons. I believe it helped me develop an appreciation for music. Even though I didn’t go further with music in my own life, I’m thankful for the music that is all around me, in so many different aspects of life.
