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M.R. asks from Edmonds, WA on September 21, 2011

JFF - Do You Play a Musical Instrument?

If so, what instrument do you play? What type of music do you play the most? How often do you still practice and for how long? Do you play when the kids have gone to bed?

Me: Play the piano, off and on since I was 5, many years of lessons, studied music theory, wrote music for awhile, but never sold anything (sad face), but taught piano, and accompanied at schools and churches, but schools now use mainly recorded music...I will probably go back and get a teaching certificate so I can be a substitute music teacher, b/c when the music teacher is absent, the districts don't have real musicians to sub..

And, just last night my kids told me, Mom,I miss you playing the piano when we fall asleep. I had stopped playing, thinking it was easier for them to fall asleep without all the noise. I wonder what else I am wrong about???

And, playing the CD or Iphone/Ipad does not count.

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H.G. answers from Dallas on September 21, 2011

I have made myself a promise, before I expire I will learn to play the piano! I so admire you! Nope, no instruments but I can carry a tune :)

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D.B. answers from Charlotte on September 21, 2011

Piano. I love to play by ear. I play by music but not as well. I'd rather use the music and then run with it the way I like.

My voice is an instrument, and that's my main one, since that's what I majored in.

I think it's lovely what you said about the kids liking to hear you play while they are falling asleep. How touching!!!

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H.G. answers from Dallas on September 21, 2011

I have made myself a promise, before I expire I will learn to play the piano! I so admire you! Nope, no instruments but I can carry a tune :)

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D.B. answers from Charlotte on September 21, 2011

Piano. I love to play by ear. I play by music but not as well. I'd rather use the music and then run with it the way I like.

My voice is an instrument, and that's my main one, since that's what I majored in.

I think it's lovely what you said about the kids liking to hear you play while they are falling asleep. How touching!!!

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S.A. answers from Dallas on September 21, 2011

I've never played an instrument but I too have always wanted to learn the piano. I've always thought when DD is old enough, if she showed any interest in taking piano lessons, we could do it togeher!

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R.J. answers from Seattle on September 21, 2011

I can play most reed instruments (sax, clarinet, etc) but while technically outstanding (first chair, blah, blah) my music has no life, no soul. So I dropped them ages ago.

I learned how to spin a bit over a decade ago. I DO have soul there (spinning is more conducting/composing) but I prefer dancing.

I tried to learn the violin about 10 years ago, but someone stole it in a home invasion. I considered it to be a sign from above to stop torturing the poor thing.

I am ATTEMPTING to learn piano. :) :) :) It's the only instrument I've ever been really excited about.

I WISH I could learn voice. But I have no voice. Or rather, I have a terrible voice

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S.H. answers from Honolulu on September 21, 2011

Oboe.
Anything can be played on it.

I also learned piano as a kid.
I do not like playing it. Just listening to it.

I can also play other reed instruments.

I like the cello, it is so moody. Wish I could play it. Maybe one day.

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V.W. answers from Jacksonville on September 21, 2011

I played Bflat clarinet in school (6th-12th grade). I played off and on for a few years after that, then I haven't pulled one out for years.... My daughter is learning piano (going on year 4) and I messed around with some of her books but never followed up with any actual lessons. I read music at church every week when singing the hymns, but that's about the extent of it these days...

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T.J. answers from Seattle on September 21, 2011

I played piano for seven years when I was younger, did a few competitions even! Wish I'd never quit =(

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S.S. answers from Cincinnati on September 21, 2011

I can't but my brother can play almost anything he picks up. As far as I know he can play the guitar (both acustic and electric) the clarinet, the piano and the organ. He can listen to music and then play it back real well too. After watching titanic once he could play the theme song (he was nine) on the keyboard. I sing and dance (I can also paint/ draw) and my little sister sings real well.

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J.L. answers from Los Angeles on September 22, 2011

Yes...
Clarinet (Bflat), Bass Clairnet, Trumpet, Sousaphone, Trombone, Autoharp, a little bit of piano and a little bit of bass guitar.
I don't practice anymore. The bass clarinet, trumptet, sousaphone, and trombone were all loner instruments from my highschool. Deal was I learn a new instrument as a "fill-in" for not having to travel to marching competitions (I still had to do the marching practice). I no longer have access to a piano or bass guitar. I do still have my clarinet and will play it every once in awhile, although I need new reeds. I still have the autoharp and enjoy taking it out and messing around with it while I smoke on my patio. I have my dads acoustic guitar and look forward to learning.
Picking up musical instruments comes easily to me...although I do nothing with it other then just enjoy it. =)

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T.C. answers from Austin on September 21, 2011

I took piano lessons in elementary school, played flute in middle school band, handbells and church choir in high school, and choir in college. I have many fond memories of music growing up. My mom practiced piano after I went to bed, my dad played the guitar after dinner, and my brother played piano while he talked to his girlfriend on the phone for hours. We always had instruments around the house to try out including clarinet, accordion, banjo, and dulcimer.

I used to play simple songs for my son at bedtime on the keyboard or flute, but now I only play a couple of times a year. I play the dulcimer more often, but not at bedtime. My husband is not very musical, doesn't really enjoy music cds either.

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B.C. answers from Tampa on September 21, 2011

Piano, love classical music. It plays at my house daily while getting dinner ready.

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C.O. answers from Washington DC on September 21, 2011

Oh the piano?!?!? HOW COOL!!!

I played the Trumpet for 2 years...My son plays the Euphonium and the violin...he's good at it!!

Go back to playing the piano at night - that would we sooo ROCKING COOL!!!! You can come over to my house and play - that would be great!!!

As parents, we're probably wrong on several things - but when we communicate with our kids - we learn more!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

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C.W. answers from Lynchburg on September 21, 2011

Hi MUM!

I sing...always have...that is my 'instrument'...lol

I have some very musical children though...a few 'sax' players...a couple of flutes...most (like me) can 'plunk' out a tune on the piano...but they ALL sing...

Best Luck!
michele/cat

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A.G. answers from Houston on September 21, 2011

I can play the piano, but i couldnt teach it if my life depended on it. Sometimes i feel like my baby grand is going to waste.

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M.B. answers from Orlando on September 21, 2011

I play bass guitar and own 3 of them. I mostly play punk/rock. I recently found a smaller one for children that I want to buy to teach my son, because he loves mine they are just way to big for a 5 year old. Heck they are almost to big for me to play, but it's fun :)

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A.F. answers from Fargo on September 21, 2011

I play piano very well and also teach piano lessons.
I am getting better at the guitar and am trying to find a violin teacher for myself.

One of our local schools has a fantastic orchestra. Very unusual since we live in a rural area. All the school plays and musicals have live accompaniment, and many of the musical scores are arranged by students. Isn't that fantastic? Good luck on getting your teaching certificate! You will be an asset in the school!

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T.F. answers from Dallas on September 21, 2011

I don't play anything but my daughter plays the violin very well.

I love it when I hear her playing a song by ear. One of my favorites she does is by Coldplay. I stop dead in my tracks when I hear her playing that as well and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

What a wonderful memory you have created for your children. Kudos!

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C.C. answers from Dallas on September 21, 2011

I have played the flute and piccolo for many years and love it! I play all kinds of music.
My son plays the violin and is getting to be very good at it. Mind you, it is his first year so he still has alot to learn. :)

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C.N. answers from Baton Rouge on September 22, 2011

I play piano, guitar, and handbells. I practice when I have time - no set schedule.

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S.W. answers from Minneapolis on September 21, 2011

I had piano lessons for several years as a child, and can't play a note. I played trumpet in the high school band and really enjoyed it but was intimidated into not playing in college (I came from a very small school and felt I couldn't be good enough....). Now, no I don't play an instrument. I'll leave that to those who have talent ;-)

My daughter sings so well, and is now taking piano lessons and really enjoys playing. She has had lessons for six months and is showing real talent for it.

When our daughter was younger, her father would often sing her to sleep. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever! He has a good, and soothing, voice.

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