Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fiddle me #7.

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Sometimes dreams are a bit on the silly side. Perhaps it's timing, location, or that it's just so out of the norm. My 100 list was first started when I turne 34. I listed 34 things about me and #7 was this:

#7. I've played the violin, piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and the drums.

I can't say much to the sax, clarinet, flute, and drums as they were all completely in my childhood and something I haven't even tried since I was a teenager. I'm sure I could pick it up quickly if I had to, but something tells me I won't have too! I want to play that, I said the first time I heard a violin and when I was six years old listening to my mom play hymns on our old baby grande piano. Whenever I think of those moments when I began playing these intruments I realize how much they have shaped my life.

The piano is my favorite! I play it for fun, I teach piano when I can, and try to share my talent giving free music classes at the church or when asked to play hymns and special musical numbers. There is nothing better though, than sitting down to empty house, windows open, and playing my favorite pieces.

The violin is my nemisis and I think my greatest musical acheivement because it's hard and I have overcome a lot by picking it up again (hope that didn't sound conceited). I started when I was 8. I was good, but flighty, lacked dedication and drive. I majored in it at Rick's college in 1991 and decided that I needed more technical training than I had umph to put into it - so, I quit. For 10 years, I barely touched a violin or thought of one - until one day in Utah, I realized that I was ready to pick it up again. In 2006, I began teaching beginning students in California and when we moved to Montreal I took up lessons from a member of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

And now for my dream...my dream is to play irish fiddle music and play in a group. While in Prince Edward Island, I had that funny little tingling feeling watching the group at Avonlea play. I get giddy thinking about it! I am one to believe that dreams can come true, and maybe someday you'll see me a fiddling - make sure to cheer!


Did you do SPT?
Do you consider any of your dreams silly?

Here is my 100 list - if you're interested!

25 comments:

lelly said...

oh, i would love to hear you play the violin! while i "dabbled" in all of the woodwinds, and even some brass, my school system did not have string instruments. i've always thought i would have been a great 'cello player.

Amanda said...

What a talent. I love that you have picked it up again..and even taking lessons. Someday you'll play in that group. I'm sure of it.

Jan said...

As I was reading, I was listening to my daughter making up songs on her flute. She loves it so much. She makes up her own songs. It is fun to hear her.

I have played the piano. I was in choir mostly. Now I have no voice. I lost it about 5 years ago. Can't sing anymore. It always makes me sad around Christmas time.

So glad that you have fond memories though. I hope you can fulfill your dream someday.

mommy nurse said...

I have no musical talent. I therefore am making my children play the piano. My oldest has now picked up the clarinet for her 5 and 6th grade band class. So I will just continue to listen to them play! oh, maybe someday I will take a lesson or two?

Melinda said...

I am with you on playing the piano!! I love it and it is such a stress reliever for me. My sil plays the violin and very well. It seems very hard to play. That would be so cool to be in an Irish fiddle group. I love that music.

Jeanette said...

Good for you! I'm so jealous. I would love to be muscically talented.

Dacia said...

I'm so jealous. I always wanted to play an instrument and my parents couldn't afford it. If I could play anything I would choose the violin. I just think they sound so beautiful!

crystal said...

I love the violin. And your hair looks cute in this photo :)

dani said...

i would love to hear you "fiddle", too, michelle:) i've never even picked up a violin but think they are beautiful instruments!!!
john bought me a guitar a few years ago that i'd love to be able to play. unfortunately it has only gotten dusty since arriving at my house. thanks to you, i may get it out and clean it... who knows, i may even get the "how to" book out that shows the basics and strum a little:)
love,
dani

Lucy said...

I love your musical talents. I still remember listening to your composition on the piano for your girls and being blown away. I'd love to hear you play the violin/fiddle. And I say GO FOR IT!

Cristin said...

Not a silly dream at all! What a wonderful thing to pursue...

Courtney said...

WHOOHOO - go for it! That is awesome and I KNOW you can do it! I only play piano and I love to sit in the quiet of my parents' home and play to my heart's desire...but I do not share my talent freely with others...I admire you for that!

Laurie said...

I think that's great. Pursue that dream/talent!

Mikki said...

I have always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I have ZERO musical talent-can't really even read music.
I think it's awesome you can play so many.
I love your 107 list. Some very interesting stuff there.

SuzanSayz said...

Michelle, you are a 100% fascinating person. Barbara Walters needs to interview you!!!!! I really didn't have the time to read your 100 list, but I'm sure glad I did anyway. I have never been musical other than loving to listen. My daughter in law Lisa is though. She plays the violin and has since she was 5 or 6. She is amazing and my grandaughter Alexandra,who is their oldest has been learning since she was three. Lisa has her going to a professional teacher now, and Lex is doing great. I am so impressed with all that you have accomplished so far, you really must have a stong drive. I need more of that.

Janna said...

Wow you are talented.

Rachael said...

Impressive! I can't do anything with music! I wish I could play the piano!

Lisa said...

A fellow violinist, huh?? I was a violin performance major at BYU....but dropped out when I got married. I still keep it up. I teach, play in church, perform with a symphony and an opera, and now I get to watch my daughter play. What joy the violin has brought me!

I am going to have to go check out the rest of your list :)

Lene said...

Way to go after your dreams!

Heffalump said...

I miss playing the viola. I had to quit when I got married because I was using a borrowed instrument and was moving away. We have not been able to afford one, and now, nearly 13 years later, I just don't think I have it left in me. I was never very good at it. My parents could not afford to get me private lessons, and I was not dedicated to practicing. It is one of my big regrets in life. I will never get it back.

Holly said...

I think it's wonderful you have persued your musical dreams. I wish I had developed a musical talent of some sort.

Jenny said...

I do consider my dream of singing country music silly. I do often think of dreams that I still have. With the hopes that they may come true after children leave home. Then wonder if I am being realistic or not.

Monica M said...

Hey Michelle. Glad you are doing well. My girls just performed in a fiddle fest. They had an Irish fiddle group play and they were amazing. I've never heard that kind of music. I am also playing the violin with my girls and find it challenging compared to the piano. I can read the notes, but I don't sound very good. I probably should take lessons myself. Right now I have 12 piano students. I love it but it is too many.

Barb said...

You've had another picture recently where I noticed the reflection of your shiny table or counter. It gives such a cool effect!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What a fun spt! I really enjoyed learning about your dream! I love fiddle music. My grandpa played,but he died before I was born, so I never got to hear him in person. We do have a recording and some pictures of him and my Dad's memories. i have a niece who plays and loves it, so I guess she got the gene! :)