Making Music

I’ve been “playing” guitar for about 3 years. “Playing” is the word that I use loosely to describe “learning”. Those of you who have attempted to learn an instrument know exactly what Im talking about. You are given a simple set of musical notes to play, and then some how are supposed to make music from them. It’s the equivalent of learning the alphabet one day, and then being expected to spell words, sentences and paragraphs shortly after. I’m here to tell you that there is hard work and magic in between gaining the knowledge and then applying it. Even then it’s a while before anything melodious comes out. I got started with the guitar in hopes of developing my creative side. My world at the time was filled with computer jargon, one’s / zero’s, Yes’s / No’s. Everything was either black or white with little or no grey area. I was in dire need of finding a way to express myself. I started at Apple Music, taking lessons with Tim Bray. Tim was a wonderful instructor who has a terrific manner and method. Tim would teach using the music that I liked to listen to, cover the basics and then turn me loose to practice at home. By no fault of his, I found that I was staying true to form and learning all the technical stuff about the guitar but was still not taking the bull by the horns and playing music. I couldn’t seem to let loose. I decided that I needed to practice with someone. Bruce and I had been friends for a while and agreed to get together. Imagine my surprise when I showed up at his house to find that he doesn’t play a six string like me, he plays bass. I had to carry my own weight. It’s the best thing that could have happened! Bruce has been playing music for many years. In addition to bass guitar, he plays keyboard, upright bass and is learning the violin. We worked with several songs til we found a few that suited us both. I praise his patience. The opportunity to perform came recently at a House Concert I was hosting. Before they started, I asked the scheduled performers if they minded that I play a couple of tunes after they were done. I would have a captive audience which made my plan perfect. Two local acts, Brady Earnhardt with Rebecca Maxon and Bob Sima came to play. 40 people, most of whom were friends, came to enjoy these singer/song writers. Brady, Rebecca and Bob wowed the crowd. Their acoustic music and words made us feel the full range of emotions. As their show drew to a close, I felt one more, Fear! They say that the number one fear of most people is public speaking; I say it’s playing and singing in front of people. How was I supposed to follow those fantastic performances!!?? My playing isn’t horrible, but still I planned everything to work in my favor. I served Sangria at the gathering, hoping to lower the crowd’s expectations. I selected songs that I knew well and were forgiving for me and my nervous fingers. I even chose one song that enlisted the aid of a pretty girl to sing along with me. My music might go badly, but add a pretty girl and everything gets better. (Thanks Connie!) With my sheet music in hand and heart pounding I took the stage in my living room. Before starting, I took one final look at my audience, not sure what I would see, but hoping to find compassion and tolerance. It was time to play… In my 4 songs, the music flowed from me. It was not without flaw, but my errors seemed secondary to the fun I was having. The crowd was listening, and toes were tapping. Little did they know, I was realizing a dream.