I finally got it!!!

[Sammyjo]

Warning: This may be painful for some of you!!!

I think I was about 8 years old when I first started playing the viola. A few years after that, I had to quit because my parents couldn't afford the lessons and rental any longer. I remember crying and being so upset about having to stop playing.

Since that time, I have taught myself rather sucky piano on my great-grandfather's organ (which I hope to inherit someday, as I'm the only one remotely interested in it...and also the only one with enough funds to fix the old thing).

During my "Toronto weekend", I had this deep revelation. I was missing something in my life. At first, I couldn't place it, but then it came to me.

I MUST BUY A VIOLA!!!!

Extreme? maybe...maybe not. Think about it, I could be an accomplished musician by now, had I kept with it.

When I got home, my mission was not to thank my gorgeous guy profusely for a great weekend, but also to find myself a viola. I found quite a few places that would rent me one (rent-to-own is much better than buying new..those suckers run $3000 give or take - and it takes 10 to 20 years to break in an instrument) All these things considered, I knew that I would buy or rent used.

I called a local place, and it turned out that they had some discontinued violas and violins. They rent them out to schools for the kids...they are smaller, but I'm short, they should be perfect. He quoted me $350...OMG!!! That is so cheap...you don't understand how good of a deal that is.

So, today I went in..the same cute old guy is working there..he didn't remember me, but I remembered him..how much help he had been all those years ago, getting me my books and re-stringing my viola when needed. The nostalgia started really hitting me. I looked over the instrument that he had for me. I can not express to you how great it felt to hold that viola in my hands. Right now, I can't even stop the tears, it felt so good. (No, I'm not psycho...just sentimental) He must have seen something in me, some potential, or love for music, or something...he gave me a deal...you will NOT believe this...$259 for the viola, a new bow, a beginner book *s*, and a pitch pipe...

I think this is what I have been missing. I am very happy and overwhelmed with emotions.

So, I guess my "question" is, does anyone else possess this passion for an instrument? Do you get emotional like this, or is it me?

*Please don't make fun of me, my ego is very fragile....LOL

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by sammyjo:
So, I guess my "question" is, does anyone else possess this passion for an instrument? Do you get emotional like this, or is it me?

*Please don't make fun of me, my ego is very fragile....LOL

I know how you feel. I have a Martin acoustic guitar that I bought in 1972. I took some lessons and, like every kid, I wanted to be in a band. I haven't played it much in the last 20 years but the guitar is priceless to me. I won't let anyone borrow it. I tune it and clean it, with always that thought that someday I'll practice again. When I do play, it takes me back to a simpler time.

 

[SimplySouthern]

I may be changing the subject a tad....but I am a very sentimental person as well. For 4 years, I busted my ass in college to get my degree in English (though you can't tell it with my spelling when I post). Then, out of the blue, it hits me! I MUST GO TO LAW SCHOOL. No answer as to why..no rhyme or reason. Just have to do it. Here I am half of the way through and a few weeks ago, the law firm I am interning for calls a meeting.

There are 2 great attorneys here whom I have grown to love. Both wonderful men with so much talent it amazes me. They offer me a position when I get out of school and also give me a complete set of general statute books. I know it doesnt seem like something that makes you clutch your chest and gasp for breath, but for a struggling student (who doesn't have thousands of dollars to spend on books) this is a major thing. They even inscribed Chapter 5 (Motor Vehicle Law). It meant so much to me that I just busted out crying and cried all day. I still cry every time I use those books.

SJ~ I say whatever makes you happy girl...you grab it with both hands and don't let go. WAIT. I didnt intend that the way it sounded...but now that it's out there...go for that too! If you ever get to be a big viola star...I will come to all your recitals and clap like crazy..and I'll bring my Chap 5 statute book and let ya cry with me!

~Southern~

 

[Xander]

Sammyjo:
You did it. I'm so happy for you. I hope you'll get much pleasure out of it. I wnat to hear it one day mind you

To answer your question. yes I do have a passionate realtionship with my instruments.

I have a Gibson S1 from '64. Properly my most treasured item in my home. Yeah yeah, I know. It's not a Les Paul or a SG. But the sound in it fits me so incredibly good. And together with my old 80 watt stereo chorus Marshall, they make my day.
I will never sell, or get rid of that. Trust me I wouldn't. I love the two too much to do that.

Then I have an old piano, whose name is not even written on it. Oh God the experiences I have on her. Genlty stroking her keys.
No, Put a gun to my head, and you still wouldn't have me give up Gibber and Sue. Not a chance. You'd have to kill me.

I may be extreme. But the instruments in my life, is all I have. The only things I'm truely good at.
Yes I have a passionate relationship with my instruments. You better believe it.

 

[Weird Harold]

Originally posted by sammyjo:
So, I guess my "question" is, does anyone else possess this passion for an instrument? Do you get emotional like this, or is it me?

I don't think I'd ever get that emotional over an instrument, but over some other thing, like a treasured book (that I might inherit one day) then yes I'd be just as emotional as you.

On a smaller scale of emotion, I get a feeling of satisfaction from solving a difficult malfunction in a piece of electronics or finding a bug in a program that tells me "this is what you were meant to do." It's that feeling of having found your place in the world and loving it.

 

[CreamyLady]

Make fun of you? Good Goddess, no!

The viola is a beautiful instrument; I love the sound so much better than the violin, and if you feel compelled to play -- go for it.

And such a deal, too . . .

I have always loved art; I was very very good at it in high school, but when the time came for college, my parents freaked, so I dropped out after several epic battles. I have just returned to it -- to clay, my very first and favorite medium -- and I understand completely.

Really -- enjoy your viola, and play it whenever you can.

 

[Hurley International]

SammyJo I know how you feel
about 2 years ago i was at a music show and I needed a new guitar and i saw a guy who was selling a
MINT CONDITION 1965 GIBSON LES PAUL GOLD TOP
my mouth dropped
it was kinda expenseive so I whipped out my credit card..it is my favorite of all the guitars..
it is soo nice

 

[CreamyLady]

Chips and beer -- definitely. It really ought to be water and carrot sticks, but right now I'd kill for a cold beer.

 

[ShyGoddess]

I think that everyone of us posses a passion for something. Something that makes us so frustrated when it's not perfect, but we love it so much we just can't let it go, no matter what. It means more to us than most of the things in our lives, and when it is completed to our satisfaction we want to weep. For some it's cars, some music, some a sport. It doesn't matter what it is. It is a part of our lives, and we couldn't imagine life without it. good luck to those of you who have found your passion. I wish you well. I don't think I've found mine yet.

 

[Cyra_3]

I love all musical instruments, especially my cornet which I have been playing since I was 9.

 

[Weird Harold]

Originally posted by Cyra_3:
I love all musical instruments, especially my cornet which I have been playing since I was 9.

About a month or two ago, my grandaughter (age 6) was asked if she'd like to learn to play an instrument.

She said Yes, she' thought she'd like to play the trumpet.

When asked why the trumpet, she replied "It looks like it would be easy. It's only got three buttons."

 

[Sammyjo]

High Peaks - I've always wanted to play guitar, even had an ex-bf offer to teach me, but he became an ex soon afterwards.

SimplySouthern - Way to go!!! That makes me very happy. I worked in a law firm for 2 years and I know how tough and rewarding it can be. I used to sit back on my breaks and read those books...you sure can learn a lot, sometimes more than you bargained for. I'll look for you in the first row!!!

Xander - I buy the beginning book, and here I am almost through the damn thing. I was amazed at how quickly I just picked it back up again. My little girl was clapping and telling me how great I was!!! Awwwwwwww....I will play for you anytime....as long as you return the favor. Now, when was that flight again?

Weird Harold - I know what you mean. Books are another passion of mine. I am also a computer person (though not as great as you are!!!), but when I have a programming idea, implement it, and it works, I'm just as emotional. Hahaha...that's a cute story. Kids!! My daughter keeps saying "My turn". As much as I want to encourage her, it's hard to let go and hand it over to her. I've had her playing "cello" from the front with me holding the instrument.

CreamyLady - Goddess? Why, yes I am...I know how harsh some of these people can be. I'm surprised it's been this tame so far. I can't seem to put my viola down. It's like a long lost love or something. My little girl wants one now. And she has had an offer from someone to teach her, too. I tend to be a creative person. I've tried my hand at writing, didn't get tons of support from that. I do a lot of needlepoint, painting (wood and ceramics), flower arranging...I loved it when I had my own place and I could display all my treasures - half of them are now boxed up and put away until I can find a decently priced two-bedroom - then I'll invite you over for a discussion on the joys of creating - coffee and donuts? or chips and beer?

Cyra - I'm jealous. I wish I had been able to continue all these years. But, I think I suck as much as I did then...it can only go uphill from here.

Thanks everyone!
SJ

 

[Cheyenne]

Yup, I have a "music room" in my house. Piano and cello, neither of which I find time to play because I live at this bb. Ha.

 

[Sammyjo]

Oh Cheyenne - Don't I know it!!!

 

[Sammyjo]

Water and carrot sticks??? ewwwwwwwwwww....LOL....not for a party, which is, of course, what it will turn into.

I don't really like beer much, but I know this really great drink I can whip up. I'll be buzzing in no time...and I do tend to get wild when I drink, so everyone better watch out!!!

 

[Cyra_3]

Originally posted by Weird Harold:
About a month or two ago, my grandaughter (age 6) was asked if she'd like to learn to play an instrument.

She said Yes, she' thought she'd like to play the trumpet.

When asked why the trumpet, she replied "It looks like it would be easy. It's only got three buttons."

LOL, getting the hang of the different combinations you can get with those three buttons is the easy part.

What I really hate is when after a long session my jaw muscles really, really ache, sometimes I find it difficult to talk afterwards but maybe I'm just a little out of practice since I have neighbours now and can't play as much.

I wish her all the luck in the world
and look forward to seeing her in concert some day.

 

[Weird Harold]

Originally posted by Cyra_3:

LOL, getting the hang of the different combinations you can get with those three buttons is the easy part.

I wish her all the luck in the world
and look forward to seeing her in concert some day.

Budget and class availablity have pretty much determined that she's going to learn singing and piano/keyboard. Ballet and gymnastics have priority for her right now.

My daughter did explain that there was more to the trumpet than the three buttons. She may decide later that she wants to learn something other than piano and voice, but she'll do it with a better idea of what's involved. My daughter definitely wants to get her into some sort of musical studies soon. Unfortunately, the school system here doesn't place much emphasis on music education so it's going have to be private lessons.

 

[Sammyjo]

I hate the fact that we don't have more extensive/longer music lessons for children. Those lessons are expensive. I wonder if you can write those off...wasn't there some sort of tax credits or something...I knew I should have been a tax accountant...damn.

And if there aren't, there should be, because some children really want to learn to play an instrument, but their parents can't afford it. It's sad when they have to give up something like that.

BTW: my arms are killing me!!!

 

[Cyra_3]

Although over here there are free lessons at school it's not so easy once you leave.

When I left school I found it impossible to find an orchestra to join (the one I was in kicked you out as soon as you reached school leaving age) I moved to London for a while trying desperately to find a college that offered A Level music but all the colleges I found only offered 'Music Technology' which I found, to my dismay, was all keyboard work with only the occasional bit of classical and theory thrown in.

Where I am living at the moment is a cultural dead-end, there is nothing, no theatre, no music schools, no art galleries or museums. It feels as though I've been amputated from society and until I get out of this place I have to content myself with playing solo when the neighbours are out.

Sorry about that I got a little angry there for a while but I'm OK now.

 

[Nicole]

Originally posted by Xander:


I may be extreme. But the instruments in my life, is all I have. The only things I'm truely good at.
Yes I have a passionate relationship with my instruments. You better believe it.

Extreme Babe??? Never. Xander do I have to keep banging your head against the wall??? You ARE A BRILLIANT musicain. *Bang Bang* Listen to me man.

[This message has been edited by Nicole (edited 06-03-2000).]

 

[Xander]

OUCH OUCH Nicole.

Please don't hurt me....
I'm listening I'm listening

 

[Thumper]

AWWWWRight!!! It's Headbangin' time....

"Bang your head....."

This is good for some real funny looks from people....
When you are at a traffic light...roll down your window and find an all talk station on the radio, crank it up, and do some serious head banging...like you were listening to Ozzie or some such fare...People will think you are absolutely nuts!