I picked up guitar years ago, after trying in high school & college with no success. I can tell you that if you're doing it just to get "health benefits", you're wasting your time. Learning to play music on an instrument is like learning a language; if there's no spark to learn "music", there will be no spark to continue practicing and playing.
RLiu, I couldn’t agree more. I was a music major when I first went to college. Learning an instrument is a significant commitment; at the least you need to practice fundamental things for a hour a day. And like you said, there is a difference between “should” (as in for health benefits and “want to” (as in learning for the skill).
The article on musical benefits made me think of Tony Bennett as Alzheimer's disease took over, he still sang, was able to work with Lady Gaga, entertain, created an album. Gotta be something to it! Lots of singers and musicians and comedians lived long, long lives.
There’s a difference though. Singers who have made music their whole lives can continue to do so even as memory fades. With Alzheimer’s, short term memories die first. It’s the long term memories that stay with Alzheimer’s patients the longest.
I was sorry to hear about Captain Sullenberger’s diagnosis. That disease plays no favorites.
When I was in grade school I took up the clarinet, but after my third year I was seated next to a girl who smelled like mushrooms- like emanating from her pores. I couldn't take it and told my band teacher I didn't like the instrument anymore and wanted to quit. Instead, he redirected me. He said he needed an Oboe player, so there I went and, from that point on, was seated next to the Bassoon player. I eventually gave up band for sports, but I wish I would have stayed with something. My mother is one of 9 kids and 6 of them either play guitar or piano or both (my grandmother was a spectacular pianist). My dad played the accordion when he was a teen. My siblings all played instruments. My brother even got to play his Alto Sax with Branford Marsalis once.
Enter Covid.
In 2021, when I was sick of puzzles and long walks in the park, I bought a Ukulele and taught myself to play...with the help of You tube. I don't get to practice often, but I do pick it up when I can and play a little Eddie Vedder, Paul McCartney or Neil Diamond. I find it not only takes my mind off everything else, it makes me happy.
Back in 1967 when playing guitars was the thing, I found myself in Mexico City and thought it would be a great time to buy a good guitar. Could I play? Nooo. But I could learn, right? Noooo. I found I had 10 left thumbs and ended up giving my beautiful guitar to someone who knew what to do with it. Lesson learned.
I picked up guitar years ago, after trying in high school & college with no success. I can tell you that if you're doing it just to get "health benefits", you're wasting your time. Learning to play music on an instrument is like learning a language; if there's no spark to learn "music", there will be no spark to continue practicing and playing.
Interesting study, practically useless.
RLiu, I couldn’t agree more. I was a music major when I first went to college. Learning an instrument is a significant commitment; at the least you need to practice fundamental things for a hour a day. And like you said, there is a difference between “should” (as in for health benefits and “want to” (as in learning for the skill).
want = choice = commitment
should = decide = sacrifice
The article on musical benefits made me think of Tony Bennett as Alzheimer's disease took over, he still sang, was able to work with Lady Gaga, entertain, created an album. Gotta be something to it! Lots of singers and musicians and comedians lived long, long lives.
There’s a difference though. Singers who have made music their whole lives can continue to do so even as memory fades. With Alzheimer’s, short term memories die first. It’s the long term memories that stay with Alzheimer’s patients the longest.
I was sorry to hear about Captain Sullenberger’s diagnosis. That disease plays no favorites.
When I was in grade school I took up the clarinet, but after my third year I was seated next to a girl who smelled like mushrooms- like emanating from her pores. I couldn't take it and told my band teacher I didn't like the instrument anymore and wanted to quit. Instead, he redirected me. He said he needed an Oboe player, so there I went and, from that point on, was seated next to the Bassoon player. I eventually gave up band for sports, but I wish I would have stayed with something. My mother is one of 9 kids and 6 of them either play guitar or piano or both (my grandmother was a spectacular pianist). My dad played the accordion when he was a teen. My siblings all played instruments. My brother even got to play his Alto Sax with Branford Marsalis once.
Enter Covid.
In 2021, when I was sick of puzzles and long walks in the park, I bought a Ukulele and taught myself to play...with the help of You tube. I don't get to practice often, but I do pick it up when I can and play a little Eddie Vedder, Paul McCartney or Neil Diamond. I find it not only takes my mind off everything else, it makes me happy.
Back in 1967 when playing guitars was the thing, I found myself in Mexico City and thought it would be a great time to buy a good guitar. Could I play? Nooo. But I could learn, right? Noooo. I found I had 10 left thumbs and ended up giving my beautiful guitar to someone who knew what to do with it. Lesson learned.