What instrument would you like to learn?
By new_waver
@new_waver (198)
October 20, 2007 5:51pm CST
I've got a Bachelors in classical singing, and I definitely consider the voice to be an instrument. I've tried playing various other instruments, including piano, drums and tablas (Indian percussion). I was terrible at all of them! I'd still like to learn another instrument, but I'm not sure which one.
The harp would definitely be my first choice, because it sounds so classically gorgeous and ethereal.
Guitar would probably be my second because it's versatile and hey, it's sexy too.
I'd like to learn to play the drums well, but I lack any sense of rhythm, so I doubt that's going to happen?
What instrument would you learn to play if you had the time and money to take it up?
3 people like this
14 responses
@alexdiazgranados (678)
• United States
21 Oct 07
While my singing "career" ended as soon as I graduated from high school, I did have some experience as a singer, albeit in my school choir. I started out in the second semester of my sophomore year as a baritone, but then my voice deepened just a tad and I was reassigned to the bass section during my junior year. Needless to say, I also think the voice is an instrument, and I really enjoyed almost every aspect of my music training - except sightreading...I could never get into reading musical notation or basic theory.
That pretty much rules out learning any instrument besides the vocal cords, but if pushed, I'd admit to wishing that I could play the piano. Not like Horowitz or Cliburn, but enough to wow an audience.
@alexdiazgranados (678)
• United States
21 Oct 07
I think my problem is that while I can grasp non-abstract concepts easily, abstract subjects, whether they are math or musical notation, really stump me.
My chorus teacher did say that I compensated for that because I had (have) a good ear for music. And I must have been an okay singer back in the day; I was asked to solo for the 1981 Christmas concert by my teacher, so I couldn't have been too bad.
@new_waver (198)
•
21 Oct 07
I wasn't very good at sight reading either, but I had to take an intensive year of it, and had to do it in choir too. At the end of college I was pretty good at it, but the minute I stopped doing it, I forgot how.
I'd like to be able to play Chopin on the piano. Unfortunately, that requires a small amount of ability!
1 person likes this
@new_waver (198)
•
21 Oct 07
Yes, musical notation always seemed a lot like math to me, but maybe that's just a mental block musicians get when they see numbers!
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
21 Oct 07
A Bacherlors in classical singing, wow! I would love to hear some of that. My daughter wanted to major in music and then she caught an infection of the throat. She has lost her voice and we are all sad for her. Would you believe she moved on and is major in theather and film. Anyhow, I play a little piano, guitar and bass. I would love to learn the violin but I heard that it was the hardest instrument to master. Still, I would definitely try it.
@new_waver (198)
•
21 Oct 07
I'm sorely out of practice! It's been a year since I did any real singing--- I need to find a new voice teacher. If only they weren't so expensive!
That's a shame about your daughter's voice. Do you think in a few years she might be able to take up singing again?
I'd love to play the violin as well, but as you've said, it's supposedly incredibly difficult. Perhaps the viola would be a good place to start instead?
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
22 Oct 07
My daugher has all of a sudden developed a very raspy voice. It's more of a rock voice now than a classical one. She doesn't like it. The doctor said that her tonsils might have to be removed but it will change her voice. A sack of poison attaches itself to her tonsils around Christmas time. Strange huh? It's happened twice now. In any case, speaking of intruments, lol, I'm not even quite sure what a viola is. A small violin?? Have a wonderful Sunday evening.
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
21 Oct 07
Piano and guitar. I play the piano a little bit, but I would really like to learn how to play.
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
Those are two of the most versatile instruments, IMO. Most people can learn the basics on their own, but hopefully one day you can find a good teacher too.
@raychill (6525)
• United States
21 Oct 07
The drums. They require a lot of rhythm and coordination. NOt something I have at least. I can play the clarinet, sing and play the keyboard and piano, but I've always wanted to play the drums. Unfortunately I can't because like I said...no rhythm. Moving both hands and your feet at the same time? Ugh Complicated!
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
That was my experience when I took a percussion class in college. I had a lot of fun, but I was completely hopeless at it.
It's cool that you can play so many other instruments though. That's quite an accomplishment!
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
21 Oct 07
Guitar and flute. Drums might be nice too. I've got some of it down, but I definitely need much more practice.
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
Oh, yeah, the flute is a wonderful instrument. I don't know if I'd be coordinated enough to do it though. My freshman year roommate was a classical flautist, and it was always nice to hear her practicing (as long as she didn't do it at 7 am!).
@bunghole114 (36)
• United States
21 Oct 07
gutair because i wanna rock out hard like an animal! and i love music its fun and great to listen to!
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
Haha, I'd love to be able to rock out. It's a secret dream of mine---unfortunately, they don't teach that in classical singing. You're right though, it is tons of fun.
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
Aww, I think anyone can learn to play some sort of instrument, it's just a question of finding the right one. I can't play piano or drums to save my life, but there's got to be something out there that I can play---I'm sure that's true for you, too. :)
@cobradene (1171)
• India
21 Oct 07
I love music and the first instrument I really wanted to learn was the guitar, but I could never learn as a child, but years later I did manage to learn something on it, but not master it. Other than the guitar I would like to learn to play the drums, piano, saxophone and violin. Each and every instrument has it's own beauty. And music itself is so wonderful. I would just love to go into trance listening to it, or playing it or singing.
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
I tried to learn guitar as a child too, but I never had lessons, so I lost interest. The reason I stayed with singing is because I found a good teacher.
That's quite a range of instruments you'd like to play! It would be great to be so versatile, wouldn't it?
@soulkeeper16 (1814)
• India
10 Dec 07
I would like to learn piano. I can understand the notes but the main problem is,i can't get it at right time on the piano. Still like beginner but still i can surely get professional in it.
@navincp123 (442)
• India
21 Oct 07
hi..
I am really fond of the piano...i got a small 1 at home..i play small tunes on it but i havnt learnt it professionally..i wud luv to learn it but did find time between my studies....i also lik the drums a lot...
hope tat 1 day i ll b able to take up some lesson....
@new_waver (198)
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21 Oct 07
I like the piano too, I'm just terrible at it! I think that you can teach yourself a lot through self-study, like learning notes, scales, etc, but lessons are good to keep challenging you and giving you new things to learn, which is difficult to do on your own. I hope you're able to take some lessons when you've finished your studies!
@Grazor (43)
• Italy
15 Dec 07
I love many instruments,actually I play guitar and Bass,The second is my instrument,however I think that the voice is an instrument and also most complex.
I created a post where there is a link on youtube,I play the bass,my bro sings and plays the guitar,If you like the music enjoy! ;)
@sassygirlanne007 (4517)
• United States
23 Jan 08
I own a keyboard and would like to learn to play it more. I only know a little bit that I taught myself by sight.
