My son recently decided to play cello and I couldn’t be happier about it. My memories of learning violin as a 5th grader (Max is in 4th) are of a lot of pain but also a lot of fun and camaraderie. Feeling like a geek because I was in “orchestra” rather than with the kool kids in band. I had plenty of company though (like my son) and still play to this day.
A little (personal) music history
By the time I got to college, I’d done so many gigs that I didn’t bother inviting friends or family anymore. The same goes for my own family now - gigs are mostly work and not talent showcases for myself. How often do you invite your family to see you work?
Performing at church has been a little different - I’ve been able to branch out more into singing and I “fill in” on electric bass in the church band. Because of the “new talent” I can exhibit, I care a little more that my family and friends see me. Why should anyone care about seeing me play the violin ? [notice I don't say fiddle - that's a talent I haven't developed.]
My son’s (short) musical history
I was surprised when my son decided to play cello. And, for whatever reason, two of Max’s buddies joined him in learning the cello. Sorry, I just can’t picture some kids playing cello. Including my son! He’s never really given me any idea that he was interested. I don’t take him to be a natural musician (was I?) because, like his mother, he can’t carry a tune. I don’t feel like I’ve been a noticeable influence in his decision.
Now we’re all musicians
More than occasionally, my family will listen to classical music, my favorite genre, with me. My wife listens to popular music so they hear that, too. We subscribe to Rhapsody and I keep Max’s MP3 player loaded with interesting music - classic rock, some R&B and hip-hop, kid’s music. In other words, I figure they’ll “pick it up” just like I did as a kid.
I have more confidence that my daughter will follow music or art more intently. That’s a total guess though - playing with a microphone stand and performing for imaginary friends is probably not a strong indicator of musical talent. Molly does carry a tune a little better than Max and Mom.
I would love it if my kids became ardent musicians but I won’t force them. I’d rather have them discover the joys of music on their own and provide opportunities and guidance at appropriate times. The least I could expect from them or anyone is to appreciate the power of music in our lives. The “musician in all of us” is the part of us that appreciates music. Any kind of music.
CreativeDad on the bass
So why the picture of me playing electric bass? Pure vanity.
However, notice the white duct tape on my fingers - WIMPY. Our church band performed The Who’s “The Seeker” and Entwhistle’s bass lines are a little more complex than oompahs. I’m not a “real” bass player so, after a three-hour rehearsal on the previous day, my fingers were borderline blistering. The tape allowed me to survive the service fingers intact.
Do I look familiar?
