Klarinet Archive - Posting 000672.txt from 2004/03

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@------.net>
Subj: [kl] Adult learners on clarinet & other instruments; was, my story
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2004 09:28:56 -0500

Evelyn Robinson wrote:

>The funny thing is that I really wanted to play the piano. I taught myself hymns as I grew up. I wanted to be like my mother. As an adult, I took piano lessons and now I am a church pianist and a piano teacher.
>
Evelyn, it just goes to show, it is NEVER too late to learn! And IMO,
adults make some of the BEST learners!

This is to anyone lurking on the list who is perhaps a bit nervous about
taking the plunge - on any instrument- and getting lessons: DO IT! You
won't regret it. Pay for one lesson at first. If you like the teacher,
and it's a good match, super! If you don't, you're a grown-up, and you
can choose someone else who can better meet your needs. I am one of
those people who feels that too many adults don't give themselves credit
for all they're capable of. Especially in the culture here in the U.S.
Despite how some folks see us, I think we ARE all work and no
constructive recreation!

Playing an instrument for recreation can be de-stressing and enjoyable,
and with the guidance of a teacher who is skilled in working with other
adults, you can progress at your own pace, and feel that you are doing
something worthwhile that you want to do. I have met so MANY people
who said, "I quit band/choir/music in high school. I'd really like to
play now." Or "I used to take piano. I hated it when I was a kid, but
now, I'd like to play." We're not kids anymore. We have choices. And
I think it's important for us to see ourselves that way. I know, I'm
psychologicalizing this a bit; but I do think that a good lot of "music
therapy" (Ok, so this is a bit self-revealing: I DO want to be a music
therapist one day, when my kids are older and I can finish a masters in
it) is what we do for ourselves musically.

Choosing good listening is also a step in the right direction. I know
that, if I listen, all the while, beating myself up because "I don't
play as well as David Niethamer/Mitchell Lurie/whoever I'm listening to"
I won't enjoy the experience as much. If I simply relax and let the
music take me where I need to go, then when I go back to play the horn,
I let Patricia make music. That is NOT to say I don't work on what
needs to be worked. But, when I let go of comparing myself to others,
then I can let myself be myself on the horn. I think adult learners,
for a lot of that part, need to be themselves musically, to let their
own musical selves through.

Kindest regards to all,
Patricia Smith

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