Da da da da-da-da. Da da da da-da-da. Da da-da-da, da da-da-da. Dum-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da…
Who knew such a simple melody could make a person so happy? Or at least make me so happy. After about three years, on and off, of lessons and practice, I have made it to page 107 of the Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course book. I know that may not seem like very far to you; but I feel it is quite far. Especially at my age. Page 107 introduces The Blues. There is nothing blue about this page at all. It is a simple and fun tune called Got Those Blues. It’s pretty basic really, for learning purposes only, but I feel as if it is a graduation of sorts. Perhaps a new beginning for my fingers. A new direction to explore. I already have my sights on a book of beginning blues tunes for piano, which is in stock at our local Long and McQuade music store. And at a better price than Amazon so I need to pick it up soon.
My old fingers are sometimes stiff or cold and don’t cooperate when I practice. My brain often lacks focus causing me to lose track of which bar I am playing. But nothing makes me want to quit. As a matter of fact, all that makes me want to try harder. Every song is another accomplishment, teaching me something new and giving me another opportunity to practice my techniques. Are my techniques good? Not really, but I have seen them improve over time and can’t help but feel a little bit proud of myself. Believe me, I am no virtuoso. I have no intention of playing for audiences. I am so self conscious that I sometimes have trouble playing for my son JT, who is my instructor. My intention is to entertain myself, keep my brain active and have some fun. All of which I am successfully accomplishing.
As a huge fan of Jazz and Blues music, the fact that I am learning to play blues is a big deal for me. The swing is already in my head. With luck, I will be able to transfer it to my fingers. The piano has made a huge difference in my life, especially in January and February because, like many others, these can be the most difficult months of the year for a person who is prone to slipping into low periods. In the past couple of years, I have avoided these slips thanks to my love for both piano and jigsaw puzzles. This year playing the blues will go a long way to keep me from suffering the blues, and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.
Thank you for reading.
Photos: Jenn Stone
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Although I love music – and especially the Blues – I’ve never been very musical (just ask my 7th grade band teacher). I guess I’d rather dance to the songs than play them. I do have a lot of respect for those who can play an instrument, though, so Go You!
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Thanks I surprise myself every time I sit down and recognize what I am playing. Also I don’t take myself too seriously when I play. Dancing is good too. These day it only happens in my kitchen.
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I played piano and flute for years, but today I can’t read sheet music anymore. I’ve completely forgotten all of the notes and which keys they correspond to on the piano. I’ve thought of returning, but the idea is daunting. Good for you for doing it!!! I’m impressed. Maggie
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I think if you tried, it would come back. It might start slow but muscle memory would also kick in. I had no musical background when I started. Absolutely none.
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Well done. I have often wished I could be more musical but have never managed to achieve anything – there is a blockage between my head and my fingers. It is good to have activities that make you happy, and it doesn’t matter if you enjoy it more than your listeners. :-)
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Thanks. I am the most important listener for sure. It did take some time for my head and fingers to cooperate with each other and it doesn’t happen every day.
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There is, as I often remind myself, no law that says you have to be good at things. If I enjoy it I keep on doing it. :-)
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Good job, Jenn. I get the satisfaction that comes with getting to the end of a section in a book.
I had to take a music class in college and played the piano. I loved it, but I didn’t stick with it. When I proposed getting a piano, my wife wasn’t keen on the idea of where we’d put it. I also tried the guitar after I retired, but my arthritic fingers weren’t happy. I used to sing in a choir, but that’s about as far as my music talents went.
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There is something to be said about a sense of accomplishment no matter what we are doing.
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I admire your dedication and it looks like it really pays off!
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It certainly has for me.
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Most of my friends can play the piano but I never learned and am not sure I’d be up to it anyway. I just play the recorder as it was the only thing we were taught at school. What I really wanted to learn was the violin! I should play my recorder more though – it’s good for my lung capacity as well as being great entertainment in winter.
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Playing the recorder sounds good. We all need some sort of entertainment in the winter.
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it’s certainly better than not being able to play any instrument at all. I have a larger one – a treble recorder – as well as my old, small descant recorder from school and generally play that. It’s a lot more work for my lungs so good for me.
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How wonderful. Congrats! I love the blues as well. Shame my piano playing never progressed past Heart and Soul.
😉
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Thanks. Mine is a slow work in progress.
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This is a wonderful way to keep yourself invigorated during the dreary winter months. It’s cool that you’re learning to play blues. I played violin and clarinet all the way through high school, but after that my musical career ended. Not even sure I could read music anymore.
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It is definitely a cheerful way to spend those grey January and February days. It works wonders.
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