I was 4 when I begged my parents to buy a piano. It was my earliest childhood memory. I remember the day my dad brought home an old brown upright that he later refinished. The piano keys felt big when I put my hands on them, but it also felt that they belonged.
Fast forward a month or two and I was getting my knuckles rapped by an old German piano teacher every Monday at 7 a.m. before school started. I don’t remember that it hurt, but I do remember that I enjoyed it. I don’t know if it was more about the music or the fact that I was doing something I was good at, or both.
Lessons continued until I was 18, but it didn’t stop at piano. Later came the violin, trumpet, guitar, accordion, organ, and pedal steel guitar. My parents were more than willing to let me take lessons on whatever I wanted, as they saw potential in me. Their lofty goal was for me to play in church, which I did at the age of 7. The congregation couldn’t see me above the upright piano, so they thought it was playing itself.
For me, music was a means to communicate in another language, a way to translate the sounds I heard in my head to my hands, and if we’re digging deep, it was another way to bring attention to myself despite being an introvert.
In fact, I was so introverted that I pretended I was tone deaf until I was 19 so I wouldn’t have to sing. However, one pastor who believed in me and my gifts practically made it mandatory for me to sing. This experience, along with my 25 years of performance, my degree in K-12 music education, plus my empathy made me realize the importance of instilling in students not just musicality but also the acceptance of stage fright, the importance of stage presence and the tools to overcome their nerves as their confidence builds.
To me, music isn’t just about the music. Every child is different, so you have to teach differently. My job is to find a way to communicate with them and, no matter what else is going on in their lives, instill in them confidence while having fun. Sometimes it’s not about the music. I teach the child first and then the instrument.
Adults are no exception. I have students from age 5 to 65. It’s never too late to start or relearn an instrument. You might not become a rock star, but you can romance your partner or create wonderful family traditions that bring comfort and joy during special occasions.
Imagine hearing a song on the radio and learning how to play and sing it, or, better yet, write your own song. The pursuit is a worthwhile journey regardless of age. I’ve run into too many adults who wish they had kept taking music lessons. It’s not too late to continue your journey.
Music is easy to listen to and it really doesn’t take much to play or sing it yourself. Really! Besides that, music is therapeutic. By using rhythm and melody to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain, and improve mood, music can be healing. I’m sure it’s helped many of you when you were down or when you needed a boost with a killer workout. Sitting down at a piano or picking up a guitar and being able to play your favorite song either for yourself or for others is a gift everyone possesses. Music isn’t that hard.
For more information on learning piano, voice, or guitar—or for help with stage presence or media coaching—email jimmy@thefeddhouse.com or visit us online.
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