I have recently begun to reflect on my own musical journey, so thought i'd put my ramblings down. It's a bit of a biography really but mainly to do with my own motivation for learning and teaching and where it stemmed from. here goes...

 

I didn't really come from what you'd call a musical family, however, my grandad, other Grandma, and my Mum all played organ to varying degrees of ability. My Dad plays the guitar and has his set repertoire that hasn't really ever expanded over the years, but what he can play sounds great!

 

I do remember singing along when my parents played, and remember making up harmonies from a very early age. I also aquired an electronic keyboard as a youngster and remember being inspired by Jean Michael-Jarre (sorry if that's mis-spelt!) and being lost in another world twiddling away on my keyboard.

 

I was always a very imaginitive child, I had friends certainly, but was always happiest in my own company where I could bury myself in a choose your own adventure book or dream on my keyboard! I know my mum despaired at times as I had no interest (and still don't really!) in the TV, so wouldn't really sit with the family watching eastenders etc.

 

I have always been very inspired and calmed by nature and loved going on long lone walks in the rain, great to be out in the quiet with just the sound of the wind or the sea, you just can't beat it.

 

My musical activities exploded around age 12 with my receipt of an old and very battered Clarinet. The school peri asked me to learn a couple of the exercises for the following week. I returned the week after having completed most of the book! One teacher however was very quick to criticise and slow to give praise and I often left the lesson on the verge of tears. However, I loved the Clarinet and decided that I would show him, so became even more determined to succeed. I remember hearing the Mozart Clarinet concerto for the first time, aged about 14, and promptly bought the music and practiced and practiced the twiddly bits until i could play them at speed. Practice was never a chore, more of a release, and soothing to the soul (maybe not for those unfortunates who had to endure the nightly practice sessions!)

 

Several years later after having given birth to my first child, did I realise that I really wanted to teach and to improve my playing far far more. However, i now had this gorgeous little bundle that would need pretty much my constant attention for the foreseeable future. I think that in the years I was bringing uo my children, this desire intensified and was able to be released when they were old enough to not need my total attention.

 

I returned to my practicing, and now had (and have) the mindset that I can be as good or as bad in my playing as I wish to be. It's as simple as that, the only difference between a 'nobody' and a 'somebody' in the business, is that the 'somebody' believed it was possible, and went for it!

 

Yes, i do get frustrated when I muck things up, but they usually happen for a reason; I may have been neglecting one instrument in favour of another, or simply that family have needed more of my time. I am not a naturally confident person, though may appear so when teaching etc, but I do have a belief in myself, i'm planning on keeping going, and try not to let obstacles slow me down too much! Don't look backwards, look at the beautiful view and possibilities in front!

 

Happy tootling!

 

Keri