Values I Learned From Playing Instruments
Ms. Eugene Martin
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Realizing the fondness I had for music, as early as 3 or 4 years old, aside from producing sounds from my vocal chords, I remember improvising cans and bottles of different sizes to have something to hit to produce beats and sounds. In time, I had learned the basic of piano, xylophone, angklung, bass drums, among others. A percussion instrument makes a sound when hit or shaken or scratched. Precise and pleasing sounds were produced if these instruments shall be stimulated with the right amount of strength, right place and right time. Interestingly, playing with these instruments taught me how to deal with my feelings and emotions. Sustained strong and loud sound, out-of-time and out-of-tune definitely can irritate others, just like emotions. We can expect conflict and a lot of misunderstanding, if emotions were expressed inappropriately, disproportionately, and unsparingly delivered at the wrong time. It would definitely become an irritating scene. These instruments always remind me to regulate my emotions and to show empathy and understanding to others.
I also tried some wind instruments...harmonica, flute and recorder, among others. But I realized that no matter how passionate I was to learn playing them, there were physical demands expected from the player if good music must be produced and I felt that my ability to produce and sustain the air-flow needed a lot of practice, though. Here, I learned acceptance and appreciation - - acceptance of my limitations and appreciation of my other capabilities.
Finally, I found the instruments fitted to my personality - - string instruments - - bandurria, octavina, guitar, and violin. I started playing bandurria in 3rd Grade (after I learned playing the guitar all by myself while watching how my cousins play). I remember my bandurria instructor's surprised reaction whenever I finished tuning the 14 strings ahead of the given time even without using a pitch pipe. He would actually loosen all the strings and would challenge me to tune them within 3 minutes as part of the drill. When I was just starting, I was so emotional if I could not play the piece perfectly for the first time. Whenever there would be performances, I would practice all day and all night long until my fingers hurt and sometimes bleed, just to be assured of a ‘perfect’ performance. Now, as I looked back, I realize I was just so unforgiving of myself. Also, there were instances that while playing, strings would break and sometimes in the process, I got hurt, scratched and sometimes poked in the eyes, but I would continue performing, with “the-show-must-go-on-approach” in mind, which was a demonstration of some determination and persistence. Oh yes, those were the days. I am just not so lucky to save some pictures of related experiences and performances.
I feel that playing instruments increased my level of empathy and deepen my understanding of myself and others. I feel that I become more appreciative and generous of my ‘gifts, tolerant, forgiving, and respectful. Regular practice taught me self-discipline, patience and persistence. Playing instruments has not only helped me provide entertainment to others but also it made me more aware of myself and others. Playing has kept me grounded and in tuned with my mission and purpose in life.
Let us create sounds. Let us make music. Let us live life to its fullest!
Caveat: I can play but I am no expert :-)
