"All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself"
Johann Sebastian Bach
This time last year I was looking forward to my MA Graduation. I had finished classes and I just wanted to relax for a while after years and years of studying. However, this year I found that I have really missed all the back to uni buzz and the anticipation of a new academic year. I have missed the learning experience.
So I decided to bite the bullet and do something I have dreamt of for years. In short, I enrolled in Music School! This has been at the back of my mind for a very long time. In fact, it was something I always wanted to do as a child and never quite got around to it, but as the signs of autumn start to appear and all the students return to their lectures this month, I knew I wanted to return to a learning environment.
Music school seemed like the perfect solution! I couldn't have wished for a more perfect autumn day to begin my musical studies, as the rain poured down and the sun occasionally broke through the clouds, sparkling upon the turning leaves. I love the sound of rain as I drive - the swish of the tyres, the sweep of the wipers and the steady patter of the raindrops landing on the roof of my car. Somehow, driving in the rain feels very cosy. Driving through the rain to my first piano class felt like an exciting new adventure!
I've been trying to teach myself to play the piano for some time now and while I can pick up a melody fairly quickly and play by ear quite well, I don't read music so it all tends to fall apart as soon as I see the dots! Also, when teaching yourself, there is no-one there to correct your mistakes or stop you from falling into bad habits. I knew that I had gone as far as I could on my own and that I would need professional tuition if I was ever going to progress and begin to master my instrument. I've had a beautiful piano for years now and it deserves to be owned by someone who takes it seriously.
I knew that I wanted to approach my music in the same way that I approached my other studies - with an open mind, a willingness to learn and the commitment to put in the time and effort required to succeed. I couldn't have taken music classes when I worked at the vets as the job dominated my life outside of university, so I just didn't have the time, energy or flexibility to take on anything else. Learning any kind of musical instrument takes commitment. You have to set aside time to practice the fundamentals and develop your skills.
I also want to learn more about musical theory too, as I have been fascinated by this topic since I read the novel Wintersong, which is crafted on the framework of the author's extensive musical knowledge. I want to dive deeper into this aspect of music, learning a bit about the history of music too as I go, in addition to learning to play the piano, so attending a professional music school seemed to be the best option. I can learn about the history, theory and performance aspects of music in one setting.
I have just returned home from my very first class and I'm really happy with how it went. My tutor seems nice and I think that I will get on well with him. He isn't going to let me get away with playing by ear though. Already he has given me music to learn that I have never heard before, because he composed it himself, so I must learn to read the music! I immediately respected him for this. I tend to like tutors who can see through my bullshit and who don't let me get away with anything, but who call me out in a kindly way, for my own benefit. I definitely feel like I clicked with him. He seems cool.
I think that I will begin to work my way through the levels of study, as if I were to sit the Grade exams, even though I only play for myself at present. Adopting this approach means that I could then potentially take the exams along the way if I wanted to. However, it is very early days and there is a lot for me to learn - a new way of reading, a new vocabulary and musical syntax, maximizing my natural musicality, as well as the performance aspects of actually playing the instrument - so I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. I was nervous enough in the first class! I'm not used to playing in front of anyone and I do hate being watched. It makes me so nervous. I was the same when I learnt to drive. But if I want to progress and learn from my tutor he has to watch me play so he can guide me and correct my mistakes. I'll never be comfortable being watched though, as the stage fright is too acute.
I really enjoyed the class and I felt such a surge of joy afterwards, because I am finally making another one of my long term goals a reality. Walking back to my car, with new music to learn in my old satchel, I felt like I was walking on air. I was so happy and I can't wait for my next class!
It was fantastic to be surrounded by other creative people too, and while they are musicians not writers, there was still a sense of camaraderie between us. They know how it feels to struggle with a new project when the Muse isn't playing ball. They know how it feels to have a new piece completed and ready to release. That kind of shared experience and mutual understanding is priceless.
It also feels good to be learning something new again and to be taking the study of music seriously. I'm glad I finally have the guidance I need, because now I have specific exercises and techniques to learn, new pieces of music to study and practice each day, and a new routine of piano practice and music lessons to enjoy. I'm a student again, only this time, I'm a music student.
So tonight, as the rain gradually subsides, I'm going to make a cup of hot chocolate, light the candles on my piano, set up my new music and begin to practice, using the skills I have learnt today. It will be a lovely way to spend a cosy autumnal evening and I plan to make this a part of my daily routine. I may never be able to play like my idol, Amy Lee, but I'm going to give it my best shot, starting right now. If music be the food of love, play on!
Bright Blessings
Marie x
No comments:
Post a Comment