Musical inspirations

I’ve always wanted to play an instrument. Piano, guitar, and violin are just a few of the musical instruments that have enticed me over the years. Until recently, however, my want was never enough to take the next baby step of signing up for lessons. I’m not sure why. Perhaps, I just didn’t want to find out that I wasn’t any good.

Until January. This was when I received an email regarding a few short courses available through the local community college. I’m on their mailing list because YaYa’s summer school was booked through them. I clicked on the link and found a beginning acoustic class. Better yet, it was one which YaYa and I could take together.

I signed up, then struggled to make the lessons fit into our busy schedule. We are currently in the 2nd session and my young boy is really making progress. I wish I could say the same about myself but, sadly, that is not the case. I SUCK! But I am not giving up.

This weekend, I found myself front and center at another awesome music event. The couple, Tim & Nicki Bluhm, are so amazing that the thought of fitting in a last minute drive to the city on Easter Sunday was without question the right thing to do. I emailed to see if the venue was kid-friendly and, upon receiving the confirmation, requested the tickets.

So there I was, watching the two strum and pick at their guitars. They made it look so easy and sound so beautiful. Of course, the additional component of their voices makes for a performance so amazing that I was left wiping tears from my cheeks several times throughout their performance.

I know what you’re thinking. It’s true; I do cry a lot.

After the tears were dried, I went home inspired to step up my efforts in learning this craft called guitar playing. I brought the guitar from the family room into my bedroom. The hope was that even a few extra minutes of practice before falling off to sleep it will surely help. Every little bit helps. Right? Did I mention that I suck?

The house concert did something more…

It also helped me in deciding to get my own guitar. I’ve been playing Tom’s and, although it produces the most lovely sound, there is something about it that causes me pain. In all likelihood, it’s the size and shape more than the fact that it belonged to someone who now art in heaven. And yet, YaYa seems to play it for short periods of time without complaint.

Irregardless of the reason, a guitar that causes physical pain does not tend to inspire one to practice. Eventually, it will be YaYa’s anyway as he has a better chance of reaching 6’3” than me.

Or maybe it will just be the downstairs guitar and the other will be the upstairs guitar.