Exploring Musical Instruments: A Journey Through Harmonicas to Violas
Music has been an inseparable part of my life since childhood, a defining force that shaped my identity and personal growth. My journey through various musical instruments has been a fascinating exploration of artistic expression and self-discovery. Starting with simple harmonicas and toys like a piano, I've evolved to appreciate the rich tones of the viola and the versatility of the bass guitar.
The Early Beginnings
My musical journey began even before I could fully comprehend the concept of instruments. My parents saw to it that I was exposed to music from an early age. As a child, I was first given a tiny harmonica, a toy piano, and a nylon-strung ukulele. These simple instruments provided me with endless hours of amusement and a foundation for my love of music. I remember making quite a racket with them, but music ran through my veins, and my parents were always there to support my passion.
A Serious Beginning
My formal training in music began when I was a young teenager. My uncle, Harold Beech, a celebrated violinist who played with world-renowned musicians like Yehudi Menuhin and Eta Cohen, became my first music teacher. Under his guidance, I learned and grew, eventually passing my love for music to my brother, who also received lessons from Uncle Harold. Our shared musical journey led us to the guitar and subsequent band performances, where we wrote and played our own music.
The Hectic Transition: From Violins to Violas
As the years went by, my interest in the bass guitar, five-string banjo, and various other instruments grew. However, a particular instrument lingered in the back of my mind for decades: the viola. Ever since my classical orchestra days, playing the viola had been a cherished dream. The chance to learn the viola came a few years ago, when my stepdaughter decided to take up cello. Seizing this opportunity, I decided to study viola alongside her, and to my surprise, I found immense joy in playing it. The deep, rich tones of the viola are far more suited to me than the screechy violin, making the experience truly fulfilling.
The Gift of Playing by Ear
I am also a pianist, a skill I developed since I was about 10 years old. Playing the piano by ear has been one of the greatest gifts I can offer. As a ten-year-old, I discovered that I could listen to a record played on the record player and replicate the melody on the piano without any formal training. This natural talent has served me well throughout my musical career. I still play the piano, and in recent years, I've pursued a career as a recording artist, releasing several tracks on platforms like Spotify, including the latest release titled 'Otis'.
Learning to play an instrument is one of the most enriching experiences a person can embark on. It not only enhances one's musical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of music. Whether it's the harmonica, the guitar, the viola, or the piano, each instrument offers a unique opportunity to express oneself and connect with others through the universal language of music.