“The slow and patient acquisition of the skills needed to play an instrument; the almost inexpressible pleasure of doing, creating, playing: this is what makes amateur music-making so precious to the people who are lucky enough to be able do it. And the good news? It's never too late to start.”
The Guardian, 18 Jan 2010
Playing together…
Anyone that has played their instrument with others has had, in my view, a taste of one of life’s richest experiences. So, I was delighted to read in the Guardian a couple of weeks ago a really good feature on the subject, written by chief arts writer Charlotte Higgins. What made it interesting was that Charlotte wrote it from her own viewpoint, having recently returned to playing her instrument in adulthood, and is enjoying chamber music and other group playing.
Those starting lessons rarely cite the desire to play with others as a reason to playing an instrument; although some may have a vague idea of one day ‘being in a band’. For many though, once discovered, it becomes the whole point and purpose.
So, if you haven’t tried it already, I strongly urge you to give it a try. You won’t regret it.
Where can I play?
Before you start thinking, ‘that’s all very well but I’m not good enough’, then think again. There are opportunities for everyone. To mention but a few:
~ Join with like-minded friends for a play through some duets or trios
~ The Nottingham Choral Trust (NCT) Music for Everyone programme runs ‘Blow the Dust Off Your Instrument’ playdays are suitable for adults of all abilities and run twice a year, and ‘Bandwise’ for younger players
~ Our very own Saxophone Day which will run in Kinoulton Village Hall on 26th June 2010. Find out more.
It’s official – music is good for you!
A recent article in Journal of Applied Arts and Health has published findings on the benefits of choral singing. Among the benefits are that it:
- Involves deep controlled breathing which counteracts anxiety
- Creates feelings of wellbeing and happiness, counteracting feelings of sadness and depression
- Involves concentration which blocks preoccupation with sources of worry
- Can offer social support and friendship
- Provides education and learning which keeps the mind active
- Can involve a regular commitment, motivating people to be physically active
What are your thoughts and experiences? Do you know of other opportunities for group playing?Feel free to add comments below.