So, lately I've been working on teaching myself how to play both the ukulele and the clarinet over the summer. I play piano as well, but I wanted to expand my horizons. Pianos aren't portable, and a lot of people play it so auditioning for something with piano might be difficult.
Unfortunately I can't afford lessons for either of them (I'd have to drop either piano or a dance lesson) so I decided to self-teach.
I had the clarinet sitting in the basement from a long time ago when my dad bought it at a second hand store.
We think it used to be a school instrument.For quite a while I'd toyed with the idea of playing with it, so when I asked for reeds and a book on how to play for my birthday and got them I figured it was time.
It's hard. And very, very different from piano or trumpet (which I played briefly in a band).
I often wish I could have lessons, or at least someone who plays to nag via Facebook or something. But I love the tone of it, and I think I'm (slowly) getting better at it. Maybe if I keep up with it and graduate from a few of the self-teaching books in the series then I'll consider doing something more serious with it.
And then, the ukulele.
This was one of those spur of the moment, "what the heck!" type of purchases. My mom and I went into a music store and they had these colourful, toy-like ukes. They were only $30 bucks so we split the cost of one, they were too awesome to resist. (And this is why we have so many instruments in our basement...But I'll save that for another post.) So I found some music and chord charts online and started playing. It's actually really easy and fun. You only have 4 strings to manage, it has a really cool, bright sound and while mine is bottom-of-the-line, it's playable and perfect to start off with.
I've decided that if I'm still playing it by the time Christmas rolls around I'll ask for a good-quality one as a present.
I think I'll make another post later about other summer activities, but for now I will go and practice my purple ukulele and second (third?) hand clarinet.
As always, I adore you guys for reading this. You rock! Comment and then maybe I'll buy you some chocolate as a gift. And you can buy me a $200 uke!
Dot
It's hard. And very, very different from piano or trumpet (which I played briefly in a band).
I often wish I could have lessons, or at least someone who plays to nag via Facebook or something. But I love the tone of it, and I think I'm (slowly) getting better at it. Maybe if I keep up with it and graduate from a few of the self-teaching books in the series then I'll consider doing something more serious with it.
And then, the ukulele.
This was one of those spur of the moment, "what the heck!" type of purchases. My mom and I went into a music store and they had these colourful, toy-like ukes. They were only $30 bucks so we split the cost of one, they were too awesome to resist. (And this is why we have so many instruments in our basement...But I'll save that for another post.) So I found some music and chord charts online and started playing. It's actually really easy and fun. You only have 4 strings to manage, it has a really cool, bright sound and while mine is bottom-of-the-line, it's playable and perfect to start off with.
I've decided that if I'm still playing it by the time Christmas rolls around I'll ask for a good-quality one as a present.
I think I'll make another post later about other summer activities, but for now I will go and practice my purple ukulele and second (third?) hand clarinet.
As always, I adore you guys for reading this. You rock! Comment and then maybe I'll buy you some chocolate as a gift. And you can buy me a $200 uke!
Dot
I have heard your music this summer and I have to say, I am very impressed! Keep going.
ReplyDeleteThose impulsive purchases are part of what life is all about. Now we just have to get together with you on your Uke and me on the guitar - FUN!
I'd love to be able to play ONE instrument! It's so great that you can pick up so many and make music. Have fun and play for me sometime!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I think this is so great that you're learning these on your own. I really want to hear you play these!
ReplyDeleteI play the clarinet too. :D
ReplyDelete