Have you always wanted to learn how to play an instrument?
Hi Star Gazer,
Have you always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but never found the time? Did you start learning when you were young and haven’t picked up your instrument in years? It’s never too late to pick up a new instrument or become reacquainted with your old instrument.
I started playing the harp in my 20s. I fell in love with Irish harp music while I was studying Ethnomusicology at The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at The University of Limerick. While there I met a friend who played the harp and I loved hearing the tunes at traditional Irish music sessions.
When I got back to the states I went to The Somerset Folk Harp Festival and was blown away by all of the harps in the showroom, the concerts being performed by harpists from around the world, and all of the workshops. I was really shy about trying to play one until someone at the Dusty Strings booth encouraged me to sit down and play. As soon as I started plucking the strings she said, “Ah, you were meant to play the harp”.
When I started taking lessons I worked with a classical harpist, who was a good teacher, but reminded me of the strictness of the classical piano and voice lessons that I had taken for years. It wasn’t until I started taking lessons with my friend, Kathy DeAngelo, that I found the fun and freedom of Irish and Scottish Traditional music. It was also freeing for me to learn tunes by ear and not rely on sheet music and to trust my ear and heart more as I play.
I like to pick up a new instrument every few years for fun and to remind me of the beginner’s mind, which helps me remember what it’s like for my students new to an instrument. My first instrument was the piano, then I picked up the cello when I was in high school, then the harp in my 20s. Especially in these times of heightened anxiety, learning an instrument is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones.
There is no age limit on when to start learning a new instrument. I met a woman who was 97 and she had just started taking up the harp because it was something she always dreamed of doing. She told me she has loved every minute of it and that it’s never too late to learn. So, what are you waiting for?
Five Reasons why You Should Learn How to Play an Instrument
It’s good for you! How long have you been thinking of learning how to play the harp? Or piano? Or always wanted to take Voice Lessons? Well, there’s no time like the present! In all seriousness, learning how to express yourself musically is one of THE best gifts you can give yourself. It can be your go to for letting out stress, celebrating with friends, or keeping you company when you are down. Playing an instrument and sharing music with others is a gift to you and to those around you.
2. You can start your musical journey at any age! It is never too late to pick up an instrument and learn! One of my favorite conversations I had with someone new to the harp was when I was working at The Somerset Folk Harp Festival. I help organize the concerts during the festival so I have an amazing opportunity to meet the performers and the festival goers. Before one of the concerts started I had lovely conversation with a woman new to the harp. She told me she was 97 years young and decided to finally pick up the harp and she was loving every minute of it. It opened new doors for her to meet people and listen to music from around the world. Have you always wanted to learn the harp? Or another instrument?
3. It helps you express yourself. You will soon find ways to express your joy, fear, love, sadness through your instrument. I know for me I turn to the piano, my first instrument, the harp/cello/voice when I am sad or when I want to celebrate something. Music has always calmed me and is a friend that I always turn to. Music helps me express my emotions when I am at a loss for words. I can’t imagine my life without it. It has truly opened so many doors for me.
4. You can give back to the world. Just think of the happiness you can give to your friends and family through your music! Think about what you can create through music and how you give back to the world through art.
5. You’ll be learning a new language. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but music really is a universal language. When I was studying Ethnomusicology at, The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at The University of Limerick, I was given so many wonderful opportunities to play music with people from around the world. No, we didn’t always speak the same language, but through music we learned to communicate with each other. So many smiles from creating and listening.
It’s never too late to pick up a new instrument or become reacquainted with your old instrument. Think of the joy it will bring you and the world.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Lots of love and music,
Maureen