Poll Music For The Soul.

[Red Feather]

Hi safenow, sorry I must have used the german name. I looked it up, its called digital piano. The keys are heavy like with a real piano. Keyboards normally have light and wiggly keys. So with the digital piano, it is almost like playing a real piano and they react softer or louder according to how hard you hit the keys. The advantage to a real piano is that the sound be adjusted, no-tuning necessary, headphones can be used, and normally they are transportable. But they can be more expensive than a keyboard.

Anyways, just thought I'd mention that. :)

 

[safenow]

they can be more expensive than a keyboard.

Thank you. I checked it out, but it is not in my budget. I wish it was. They say it sounds like a grand piano and has a keyboard to match one. Maybe someday, I'll be able to save up for one.

Thank you for the heads up.

 

[Changing4Best]

I have a little African Drum that I play by tapping it with a long bean from a tree (it makes a rattling sound when I tap it on the drum). I sometimes play it when I am frustrated or just feel like it maybe because I am bored. I also have a recorder, but all I can really do with it is play a scale.

When I was a kid, my parents MADE ME take piano lessons. I hated it! Once I graduated highschool and went off to college, I have not done much with it but occasionally rattle away on some piano I find here or there. I really cannot recall most of what I played, though at the time I could play Maple Leaf Rag, Moonlight Sonata and many other complicated pieces.

However, when one's heart is not in it, being forced to learn a musical instrument is anything but fun! I wonder if maybe my parents might have asked me what I might like to play, maybe If I'd even been given some kind of choice like being given a chance to sample of few instruments, maybe I would have liked it better.

I LOVE drums. If only I'd been allowed to learn them instead, but the chance would never have arrisen, I'm sure. My father hated NOISE and I'm sure he would have denied me that pleasure. However, there is a pure joy of release when playing a drum, that is surely not present when playing the piano! Just my opinion...

Oh yes, when I was in the 7th grade or so, I bought a set of bongos. I did not make much noise with them (playing them quietly and carefully), but they were fun. I just recalled that now! I made the choice, however, and if I recall, I paid for them with my own allowance money.

 

[AlterEgo]

I've played the drums since I was a little kid. Although it helps a lot to take my mind away, I've found that playing drums takes a lot of confidence. There are times I don't play for weeks at a time, simply because I am feeling down and have no confidence in myself.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

There are times I don't play for weeks at a time, simply because I am feeling down and have no confidence in myself.

This I find with all instruments, whether fun/no practice attached/dabbling, or anything more serious. I also get it with art or any creativity. Actually I get it with pretty much everything.

I always wondered why, but that is a pretty good sum up of it. Unfortunately for myself, once I don't do something for lack of confidence, I rarely - if ever - have the confidence to start it back up again.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[cherryblossom]

I play the cornet in a Brass Band. That means I have to play pretty much as the music is written and follow the conductor.

It's great fun though. We rehearse once a week, and play at all sorts of outdoor events through the summer, and also play regularly through the Christmas period. We also usually put on 3 independent concerts every year. We are busy, we're in great demand, which is fantastic.

It's more than just music though. It's a really sociable group. I've made some great friends, we always go to the pub after practice, and also meet up for BBQ's, and other social events. I highly recommend joining a music group, not only to enjoy your musical passion, but to reduce social isolation.

 

[AlterEgo]

That is a good idea. Unfortunately the only place people who share my musical interest meet is at a concert in the mosh pit. That would be an entertaining BB-Q though. Lol !!

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

I've played in a number of orchestras and wind-bands, especially when I was younger, and I found that there was something incredibly reassuring about just playing what was written. There's no second guessing, no worrying, no nothing, just concentration and being absorbed by the music at hand. I didn't even mind when I was promoted to lead/soloist. I got nervous before, but during, all that existed was the job at hand - and that was the music. It came naturally. At some point I lost that, but I remember it and hold on to the hope that one day that ability will return, and at some point after that the social interaction too. ^_^

 

[cherryblossom]

That would be an entertaining BB-Q though. Lol !!

It would! Why not? Get together, see what else you have in common. You probably share other interests too.

There's no second guessing, no worrying, no nothing, just concentration and being absorbed by the music at hand.

I'm not a great musician, so just following the music and playing my part is challenging enough! Concentration is the key, so if I'm not doing great mentally, my playing definitely suffers due to lack of concentration.

 

[Lionheart]

I do not seem to have the talent to play a musical instrument, but I have always wanted to play an acoustic guitar. I sing along with music on the stereo a lot, but I don't seem to have any special talent for that either. :p

Still I am very passionate about music in that I take the time to learn the lyrics and can name many of the rock songs of the 70's and 80's with only one note. I do however wish I had the ability to express myself by playing a musical instrument. The closest I ever got was playing tribal drums in a drumming circle. I found it to be lots of fun though and am considering taking some lessons.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'd love to learn how to play the piano. I was forced to join the middle school band and play the flute. I was so bad and didn't even try! Don't laugh---I failed band class!!