System, a Freewrite
I'm experiencing my second youth, retirement. I now spend a lot of my time pursuing my musical hobbies. I started voice lessons five years ago, and got myself a piano for free at a yard sale, then spent $1000 over the next year tuning it. I dance for exercise and play the klezmer fiddle. One would think that would be enough, no?
No, it was not enough. I decided I also wanted to learn something about drumming before I kicked the bucket, and took a few drum lessons at the Long Island Drum Center in Nyack, NY. I certainly have learned through my previous musical pursuits that I need to practice, if only for a few minutes, every single day if I want to improve in any musical or otherwise artful endeavor, but I didn't have a drum set so this was not possible.
So I go to what I think will be my final lesson, explaining to the teacher Paul and the drum store owner Frankie (we call him Henry), that I need to stop taking drum lessons because I don't have a drum kit so I can't practice. Makes sense, right?
Instead, I left the drum store two days ago with this system. I was a little concerned my now adult children would think I had gone bonkers, but they are used to me and all my hobbies and they took it in stride. I still need a high hat, but Henry/Frankie threw in the cymbal. I'd much rather have a high hat, I love the sounds they can make, and you must keep time with every molecule of your body to play the drums. My left foot needs something to do, my right hand has plenty. Poor listless left foot.
I wonder what I will want to learn next. Maybe the bass.
This is my entry to @mariannewest freewrite challenge
https://steempeak.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-553-5-minute-freewrite-friday-prompt-system
If you haven't tried your hand at a freewrite yet, I highly recommend that you do! Thank you for reading.
My partner plays the bass. :)
I used to love playing the drums back in school, but was never really musically inclined... except for singing, horribly, fueled by the ignorance of my tone deafness. :D He, on the other hand, studied music and was almost in "the industry," alongside his cousin until they fell out.
I tried to learn the guitar when I was 5yrs old. We had German neighbours who played, and when I expressed an interest they were more than happy to teach me. Forgetting that I was 5. And I didn't want to learn how to play. I wanted to actually PLAY. I suppose some 5 year olds have the discipline to learn, but it was boring for me. I think I only survived 2 lessons before they got fed up with me. 😂
Guitar would be hard I think, but a lot of kids do start on the guitar.
I slogged away at the violin in high school just because I didn't want to disappoint my teacher by quitting. I'm so glad I did it though.
You can be tone deaf and play the drums. Just sayin'
That is quite an adventure! Looks like a really nice set. I always wanted to learn the drums, but in my high school band, you needed to have piano lessons in order to play the drums. I am unsure why? I played the trumpet for years and I hope to one day return to it. Playing music is the best medicine. As you say you need every molecule to keep time and perform. Lovely freewrite! Glad I caught it!
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I'm glad you did too! Hopefully @dustbunny will fluff up my upvote of your comment. I love a good dust bunny.
One way in which the drums and piano are similar is that you have to listen very carefully to a lot of sounds at once. I do think some piano would help enormously with drums, but visa versa is also true. I have a little tap dance experience, which really helped too.
I love your attitude! Keep learning. My ex's grandfather was still learning into his 90s - he was studying Greek, I believe. I do note that every new acquisition does its job to keep the inheritance down, lol.
I loved this post so much that I featured you in this week's Pay it Forward Curation Contest. Keep up the great work!
Oh my thank you so much!
Coincidentally, learning Greek is also on my bucket list.
Hahaha. I'm glad to hear it!
Interesting post @owasco, reading about your retirement decision ...
... and making this use of your time. Just "retired" myself in January, so we have a little in common, although I make no claim to any musical talent.
Great to read of the support you received. Hope it turns out to be all you hope, in your "golden years."
Stopping by to support you via my support of the PIFC community. Keep on with your Steem "journey!"
Enjoy! somehow I do not have much free time. Thanks for stopping by!
I love, love, love that you are playing the drums!!!
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Why thank you! It's pretty cool.
I would love to learn piano and guitar, this is inspiring! Congratulations on your drive and keep learning!
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Just do it! Thanks for stopping in!
Am so challenged by those who learn new things each day. I already know how to play the drums, and had a tiny knowledge of the piano.
Am here to provide you with Weekend freewrite prompt.
And write as you please.
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/weekend-freewrite-4-27-2019-single-prompt-option
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Thinking of acting pro
Follows the gurus as we go.
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/weekend-freewrite-4-27-2019-part-1-the-first-sentence
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Do have a nice weekend.
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Your post was featured in an entry into @pifc's Curation Contest:Week 55. Posts are selected because the entrant felt you are producing great content and deserve more attention (& rewards) on your post. As such your post has been upvoted and will be visited by other members of the PIFC Community.
We are always looking for new people to join our curation efforts. This is a great way to meet new people and become part of a community that focuses on helping one another.
Want to promote a post for free and have a chance to find some other great content? Check out this week's Pimp Your Post.
The Pay It Forward community also has a Discord Channel if you are interested in learning more about us.
Thank you!
My goodness today has been a swell day!
Peace and joy. Let's do it.
Great freewrite @owasco. I think it's great you set out to do this. My kids would think the same thing... Mom and one of her 'hobbies'.
You were featured in week 5k of @pifc's Pay It Forward Curation Contest by @viking-venture. @pifc is a Pay It Forward Community which believes in by helping others grow we build a stronger community. We run this contest each week, it is open to everyone. It's a great way to show off people you find that might need some more exposure or meet new people.
Thank you @tryskele. and I'll keep my eye out for someone to show off through @pifc.
Nice little tale. So much to do, so little time... The story of us all! 🙃
Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on being featured by @viking-ventures in an entry for the Pay It Forward Contest!
thanks for stopping by! I hope @dustbunny gives a little lovin' to your comment.