I think, I have ideas, I try new things out. Today’s prompt has me stumped. A brainwave and a decision are not the same. A brainwave may precede a decision. I have an idea, then I decide whether or not it is a good one.
I had an idea when I turned forty to really take my piano playing seriously. I had learned as a child and continued with lessons until I left school at eighteen.
As a student I had played for enjoyment, but I was not confident. When I had a full-time job, I stopped playing almost completely. I found that if I did not play at all for a couple of months the standard of my playing deteriorated so much that I was frustrated that I could not do better. It was a sort of vicious circle. The less I played, the less I enjoyed playing.
So at the age of forty I bought the music for the Grade 5 piano exam and some theory of music text books and practice papers. I chose my pieces and studies and began to work on them. I reached a point when I needed a teacher to help me with the listening test and to enter me for the exams. The teacher I chose was very good and helped me a lot. She taught me the difference between playing and performing. She taught me to listen to my own playing – something I had never done.
However, after I had passed both exams she went to live abroad. The next teacher I went to was not as good for me, although I did pass Grade 6 piano with her. I stopped having lessons, but continued to be involved with musical activities, singing and playing recorders with various groups of people.
Now I enjoy playing the piano. Previously I had a sort of love-hate relationship with the instrument. I have learned to play some of my repertoire better than in my youth and added new pieces to it.
Perhaps it wasn’t exactly a brain-wave to take my playing more seriously, but it was a good idea!
What’s the best idea you’ve ever had? Regale us with every detail of the idea — the idea itself, where it came to you, and the problem it solved.
Perhaps a better post for a brainwave was the one for an earlier prompt. A moment of clarity.
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Love your piano story 🙂 Your ideas about your life were amazing I must say 🙂
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It was my response to “life begins at forty”! Sue
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Quite a response 😉
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