Growing up, I always loved music, admired musicians, and still do. When I entered college, a friend in my freshman dorm played the harmonica. I was fascinated and envious. I had always wanted to play an instrument but we could never afford lessons, let alone the ability to buy an instrument. But, when this guy told me he bought it for two dollars, my heart leapt. Even I could afford that paltry sum. So I immediately ran down to the local department store and bought my own. It wasn't until I got back to my room I realized I couldn't play a note. It drove my roommate crazy and so I had to resort to playing in the bathroom or stairwell. I shouldn't use the term "playing" at this juncture. It was making noise on a very irritating level at best. But every spare minute between classes and studying, I tackled "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and other classics.
About three months later, I could play four or five nursery rhymes. Hey, it's a start. With this major accomplishment under my belt, I moved on to show tunes. My family always had Broadway show music around like Camelot and Oklahoma, so, naturally I gravitated toward what I knew. Later, I would try out the Beatles and the Stones. By my senior year, I could play by ear. If I could hear it, I could play it. Playing the harmonica was very therapeutic and satisfying. Then a few years later, when I was at the home of a friend with a piano, they suggested that perhaps my ear training could translate to the piano. I explained that I couldn't afford a piano and they told me to consider a cheap electric organ, which still used the same keyboard.
I found a used table-top organ in the newspaper for about twenty dollars and was excited. It was small with only three octaves, but it played well enough. Within a few weeks, I was able to manage my nursery rhymes, all by ear. I was now in my late twenties and continued with the organ for several years. Finally I traded it in for a larger floor model and learned to play just about anything. There was only one problem: I couldn't read music or play any chords. So I got a few pieces of sheet music for Broadway shows and gave it a try. By the time I was forty, I taught myself chords and how to read music. I bought a cheap keyboard, finally graduating from the organ. A few years later, I bought a proper keyboard with all the great features allowing me to play many instrumental sounds.
With my new toy, I decided to expand my horizons and began collecting sheet music from every genre from classic rock of the 50's to jazz and blues. Recently, I got a guitar for Christmas and am determined to learn to play my third instrument. I actually played in the church band for a few years and really enjoyed the experience. So why am I telling you this? Because it saved my life. No, I wasn't dying of a rare disease where music controlled the cancer or anything like that. Instead, it allowed me to close out the rest of the crazy, stress-filled world and play the melodies and harmonies that could soothe my muddled mind. It could transport me back in time to my college days of the Jefferson Airplane when "White Rabbit" ruled the airwaves or to "Tommy, the rock opera." I could escape the rigors of social or economic issues and relax.
I can't think of a better way to lose yourself or push away the daily grind. It is more than just therapeutic: it's regenerating and energizing. I figure that if a forty year old can teach himself to play, then anyone can. I started with the harmonica. But discovered that it was one of the harder instruments to play because you can't see the holes and, therefore, have to play by ear. You can get a cheap keyboard and tap out a tune in minutes. There are dozens of lessons on the Internet and keyboards that are self-teaching using lights and technology.
The point is, it's one of the least expensive ways to enjoy yourself and can be enriching and rewarding. You don't have to become a concert pianist to enjoy yourself. You can plug in some earphones so you don't annoy anyone around you and it uses almost no electricity. I guarantee, whatever age you are, you can learn to play and will be grateful when you have mastered even a few simple songs. It's fun, entertaining, and will give you endless hours of pleasure. If you have never considered learning to play, make it a priority this year. No, I don't work for Baldwin, but I believe in the power of music. It's an idea and a gift, from me to you. And it just might save your life from boredom.
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