Music & Arts Discussions

I have a piano, I took lessons for years, but I haven't played in forever :)  I love Piano music though, (not mine right now, my piano is out of tune!)  I have some classical music cds and love the piano parts the best because it just goes all over the place and they can do so many different sounds with it.

Listening to your fav instrument done by pros can help you while you are learning b/c you'll learn what the music is supposed to sound like :)  Don't try to accomplish too hard of songs too fast.  Everyone has to conquere the super-easy songs before mozart :-D

I play guitar, bass guitar and occasionally drums.

As for a particular instrument I like to hear, that would be a B3 through a Leslie.

Advice for people who want to learn: don't get discouraged if it takes a long time to get where you want to go. I've been trying to get it right for 35 years. Someday it'll click! d;-)

I don't play any musical instruments. However, I love to listen to Piano music. I have several Piano music CDs. I have chronic pain/nerve damage in my foot and when I'm in pain I listen to Piano music to calm me.

I was forced to take piano lessons as a kid because my mom always wanted to play. I am tone deaf and hated every second of it. It lasted 1 year. My kids played in the band (flute and saxophone) and they enjoyed it. I like to listen especially to guitars and pianos.

The only instrument I play now is my voice. I enjoy singing - here at home. I used to sing years ago with some friends of mine but had to stop because health challenges kept me from making all the gigs. Warming up so I'll sound ok for Christmas carols. Used to play a little guitar and keyboards and xylophone. Recently Kevin bought a guitar so I enjoy hearing him play along with his cds. : )

I learned beginning piano when I was in high school and began to understand reading the notes but then I forgot them all. I played the flute in elementary. Let's see... I have an acoustic guitar and a violin. I don't know how to play them lol but someday would like to learn to play them.

I mostly play the radio (-:

I did have piano lessons. I won a county contest on the piano, but I really could only play that one song by Bach I memorized. I also played the flute in band, but I was not very good.

So, I just enjoy the music that others play and the drums they beat (-:

DUISparky said…

I play guitar, bass guitar and occasionally drums.

As for a particular instrument I like to hear, that would be a B3 through a Leslie.

Advice for people who want to learn: don't get discouraged if it takes a long time to get where you want to go. I've been trying to get it right for 35 years. Someday it'll click! d;-)

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OK--I'm intrigued by a B3 through a Leslie. Any audios online that has an example?

I would love to learn to play the guitar, but I think I'll just have to take your advice!

Jo said…
I was forced to take piano lessons as a kid because my mom always wanted to play. I am tone deaf and hated every second of it. It lasted 1 year. My kids played in the band (flute and saxophone) and they enjoyed it. I like to listen especially to guitars and pianos.

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My mom always wanted to be a majorette and kept trying to get me to try out for that. I joined the JROTC and twirled a heavy rifle instead!

I actually enjoyed the lessons, but my piano teacher was very good at picking songs that appealed to my style. I also had an older brother who could play better than I could. That was certainly a big motivation!

Not any more. Growing up I played the alto saxophone, piano, and briefly, trumpet. I once played in a band called ''The Hobo Band'' - we dressed in ''uniforms'' with patches sewed on them, a giant necktie, and a funny hat. It was always fun to stop in a restaurant after a concert or parade still dressed in our ''uniforms''.

LadyMagic said…
The only instrument I play now is my voice. I enjoy singing - here at home. I used to sing years ago with some friends of mine but had to stop because health challenges kept me from making all the gigs. Warming up so I'll sound ok for Christmas carols. Used to play a little guitar and keyboards and xylophone. Recently Kevin bought a guitar so I enjoy hearing him play along with his cds. : )

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When you mentioned xylophone, that brought back some memories for me. I used to play the flute in marching band, but the director said he needed a xylophone player and I agreed. Actually, it was the bells--a guy agreed to play the xylophone. I ended up playing the bells for one ball game and then I decided to play the piccolo from then on out! That thing was HEAVY!

I'm really enjoying reading about all of your experiences with music and hope to hear from more of you as you browse through the discussions!

I play the flute and my mp3 player.

I have a dance, gymnastics and cheerleading background so music is a big part of my life to perform or enjoy.

I took piano lessons with my best friend from 3-6th grade and then I studied piano again in college.  While taking voice lessons in college from my piano instructor we realized that I would play the piano better by ear than reading notes.  I also play the silent piano.

I love to sing (2nd alto, 1st soprano and melody).  Music is a big part of my life.  I quit singing in the church choir when I got bone cancer and now the music minister keeps begging me to return.

To those who want to learn--I say it is never too late.  Follow your heart.   It doesn't matter if you're good but that you enjoy it.  The Bible says to make a joyful noise ;+)  ~Gigi

GigiandAdonai said…

I have a dance, gymnastics and cheerleading background so music is a big part of my life to perform or enjoy.

I took piano lessons with my best friend from 3-6th grade and then I studied piano again in college.  While taking voice lessons in college from my piano instructor we realized that I would play the piano better by ear than reading notes.  I also play the silent piano.

I love to sing (2nd alto, 1st soprano and melody).  Music is a big part of my life.  I quit singing in the church choir when I got bone cancer and now the music minister keeps begging me to return.

To those who want to learn--I say it is never too late.  Follow your heart.   It doesn't matter if you're good but that you enjoy it.  The Bible says to make a joyful noise ;+)  ~Gigi

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I so agree. :D

We have a house rule that all the children (7) must take piano lessons for at least 3 years.  This begins the summer after their fourth birthday.  Our youngest. Braeden, just turned 3 in October so he won't start until June 2010.  My oldest daughter, Brantleigh (10) plays the piano and violin, my 9 year-old son, Christian, plays the piano and is in his sixth year.  He says he wants to be a concert pianist.  Brantleigh will be doing a violin solo in this year's Christmas pageant. 

My husband and I both play the piano.  We do a lot of duets at church and family gatherings.  i also play for vocalists at church.  I have been playing since I was about six or seven.  Shelton (husband) also plays the sax.  We both come from very large families and very talented ones too so at family gatherings everyone gathers into our conservatory and we put on a family concert.  It's great to see the second and third generations joining in with grandparents.   

Katrena said…

OK--I'm intrigued by a B3 through a Leslie. Any audios online that has an example?

I would love to learn to play the guitar, but I think I'll just have to take your advice!

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Hammond B3/Leslie combo can be heard in lots of rock music - Allman Brothers, Steppenwolf, Santana, etc. Listen for the keyboards in songs like Santana's "Hope You're Feeling Better" or Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride", and hundreds of other songs by myriads of other bands. The unique sound of the Leslie's variable speed rotating speaker system is unmistakeable. Used to jam on occasion with a guy up in Evergreen who had the Hammond/Leslie setup. It was excellent.

writersquill said…

We have a house rule that all the children (7) must take piano lessons for at least 3 years.  This begins the summer after their fourth birthday.  Our youngest. Braeden, just turned 3 in October so he won't start until June 2010.  My oldest daughter, Brantleigh (10) plays the piano and violin, my 9 year-old son, Christian, plays the piano and is in his sixth year.  He says he wants to be a concert pianist.  Brantleigh will be doing a violin solo in this year's Christmas pageant. 

My husband and I both play the piano.  We do a lot of duets at church and family gatherings.  i also play for vocalists at church.  I have been playing since I was about six or seven.  Shelton (husband) also plays the sax.  We both come from very large families and very talented ones too so at family gatherings everyone gathers into our conservatory and we put on a family concert.  It's great to see the second and third generations joining in with grandparents.   

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Sounds like your family is quite musical!

DUISparky said…

Katrena said…

OK--I'm intrigued by a B3 through a Leslie. Any audios online that has an example?

I would love to learn to play the guitar, but I think I'll just have to take your advice!

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Hammond B3/Leslie combo can be heard in lots of rock music - Allman Brothers, Steppenwolf, Santana, etc. Listen for the keyboards in songs like Santana's "Hope You're Feeling Better" or Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride", and hundreds of other songs by myriads of other bands. The unique sound of the Leslie's variable speed rotating speaker system is unmistakeable. Used to jam on occasion with a guy up in Evergreen who had the Hammond/Leslie setup. It was excellent.

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Thanks for the examples and great description!

I grew up in a pastor's home and we did a lot of mission work.  My parents always said that if we could sing or play an instrument we could minister to people anywhere.  Music is a language anyone can understand.  I always wanted to be a concert pianist but the Lord had different plans for me.  When my husband and I were looking to move to the lake we looked at large estates because we just had the triplets and needed a bigger place.  We found our "mansion" and I knew it was the right one when I walked into what the realtor called the ballroom.  Thus, our conservatory/ballroom was born and we have gotten so much enjoyment out of it.

The Bible says to make a joyful noise.  Well, my children are honoring that passage.  Whether it be joyful (gaity) or noise ;+)

I'm hoping that as the children get a little older one of them might want to learn how to play the harp.  It just seems to be so angelic.  ~Anna Leigh

writersquill said…

I grew up in a pastor's home and we did a lot of mission work.  My parents always said that if we could sing or play an instrument we could minister to people anywhere.  Music is a language anyone can understand.  I always wanted to be a concert pianist but the Lord had different plans for me.  When my husband and I were looking to move to the lake we looked at large estates because we just had the triplets and needed a bigger place.  We found our "mansion" and I knew it was the right one when I walked into what the realtor called the ballroom.  Thus, our conservatory/ballroom was born and we have gotten so much enjoyment out of it.

The Bible says to make a joyful noise.  Well, my children are honoring that passage.  Whether it be joyful (gaity) or noise ;+)

I'm hoping that as the children get a little older one of them might want to learn how to play the harp.  It just seems to be so angelic.  ~Anna Leigh

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Music does seem to have a language all its own! One of our pharmacists plays the harp and she has brought it up to the bone marrow transplant unit to play outside each patient's door at Christmas time. Our patients have a lowered immunity and cannot be in groups. I've brought my keyboard up to the unit at Christmas time and a group of us have gone "caroling" in patients' rooms. What a wonderful joy to see the grateful looks.

If you look at one of Reviewer11's recent blogs you will see she has mastered the arm pits.  Which instrument category would that go in?  ~Anna

writersquill said…
If you look at one of Reviewer11's recent blogs you will see she has mastered the arm pits.  Which instrument category would that go in?  ~Anna

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I'm thinking there may be a few pitfalls associated with creating a category like that...

LOL!!!!

maybe under the riverdance/armpit .... oh wait, that's dance. LOL! Armip music is a different kind of flute. I almost typed "Fruit." LOL!!

*armpit but armip sounds like a new catergory for armpit music :P

I play a mean air guitar. :P

And I can play the silent piano ;+) 

Piano 44 years. Lots of accompanying (mostly vocalists and vocal groups), plenty of weddings, a few funerals, occasional parties/receptions/fundraiser dinners. I'm a reader/interpreter of the written page, but horrible at improvising and using fake books, a moron when it comes to playing by ear, and can't memorize. But my reading ability gets me lots of last-minute gigs.

Harp 8 years. Almost entirely self-taught, since there are no teachers in my immediate area. Have been playing occasional (simple) weddings for the past 3 years. Sure would love some lessons!

Taught myself flute one summer in college - was a great reader but my sound was terrible!

Xylophone in high school for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - I wrote the part from cue notes in the score, a recording, and a little imagination. So fun!

Soprano recorder in high school and college, mostly for madrigal dinners.

Degree in voice, but health issues took my singing ability away a few years ago.

Had to teach guitar for a year to 8th graders. Had to learn the chords during the 2 weeks prior to school starting. Luckily it was just a 9-week class, 2 days/week, then a new group came in. Obviously we didn't do anything too advanced!

Taught vocal and general music in the schools (age 3 thru jr college) but after 7 years, my health forced me to leave it. Health also forced me out of what I felt was my real career: conducting a select community children's chorus, adjudicating, and presenting workshops & lectures at local, regional and national levels.

Now teach private piano and voice, specializing in adult beginner piano and teenage voice. I no longer work with young children. Wish I could teach more, but I have a full-time office job and also take on part-time freelance work.

Suggestions? Remember it's never too late! My oldest piano student began at age 69! Starting as an adult (with any skill) requires patience, but the goal should first be the joy of learning something new and then enjoying your own progress.

After listening to Celtic Thunder, seeing them in concert and my Irish background on my mother's side.  I love to listen to bagpipes but I know I would never be able to play them.  

I play the flute, piccolo, fife, and Irish tin whistle.  I've been playing for about 30 years.  So obviously I especially like the music of those instruments but I also really like the sound of the cello. It's got a very complex, interesting tone that is kind of sad.  I wish I could play the piano but I don't understand how my eyes and brain can figure out how to play 2 lines of music at one time. I just don't get it.  Maybe it's that old dog/new tricks concept.

GigiandAdonai said…

After listening to Celtic Thunder, seeing them in concert and my Irish background on my mother's side.  I love to listen to bagpipes but I know I would never be able to play them.  

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OMG, I absolutely LOVE bagpipes!