Music has always been incorporated into my life; it's hard not to be involved when family members are on Broadway! Growing up I was always either sitting at Grandma's piano learning the piano through numbers and only knowing how to play "Für Elise" and the "Groundhog Song." Then once the opportunity opened up I decided to learn percussion in the 4th grade. My father also played percussion when he was younger, so I wanted to see what it was like.
Learning rhythms for me was easy, but learning notes were more difficult. I couldn't grasp the idea of dots on lines being something more than they were. The beauty with music, however, is that you don't have to learn in a "traditional" way. People learn how to play from watching someone else play, listening, and even watching Youtube videos. Now in the 21st century, it is so easy to pick up an instrument and learn to become a master at it.
Once I hit high school, I became more interested in music. I learned vocal techniques from other professionals and other mentors and teachers. I have had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall, play in front of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and played in a parade at Disney World. I even decided to learn another instrument: the ukulele. I always wanted to learn a string instrument, and this was perfect. I am a self-taught player. I learned chords and I have grown from there. Learning an instrument is sometimes not sunshine and rainbows; there are plenty of days when it gets hard and difficult and where you want to give up but you have to keep practicing to get better.
The most influential part of learning an instrument is the community that comes with it. There are so many people in the world that have either played an instrument sometime in their life or currently play one now. People with a passion for music love to help and share their talents with other interested contenders. This helps you network with so many people. I have networked with hundreds of people that have the passion for music. Even if it's just connecting through favorite artists, you can meet CEO's, entrepreneurs, and business workers who all share the same connection.
Not only do you have the skills to take on a piece of music, you have skills that will last you a lifetime
