Here's a timeline of my musical journey
Primary School- Played descant recorder from Years 2-5 and treble recorder in Year 6. We had recorder lessons every Friday in Year 2 to fulfil CAPA requirements and I decided to join the recorder ensemble from then on. I really enjoyed playing recorder and remember how over the moon I was when I got my treble for a Christmas present. Myself and the other girl who played treble got a little solo in our final year showcase night which remains one of my favourite memories. I wish I continued to play it but will definitely think of starting an ensemble when I go out to teach myself!
Early High School- Picked up bass guitar in Year 7 and continued to play until the end of Year 8. I went through a huge rock phase and was really interested in the bass so I decided to pick it up as a self-learnt instrument. I don't think I was stellar at it but I could do some of the extended techniques by the time I decided to drop it
I also regret not honing in on this instrument further but it was a nice contrast with all the recorder I had basically drowned myself in in primary.
Rest of High School and Now- I sing! The voice is a musical instrument too so I'll include it. I was singing in choirs and small groups throughout primary and early high school but started taking AMEB lessons from Year 8. I'm currently in Fourth Grade and will be sitting my exam mid this year
It might seem like a late start for some but my voice had been developed much better and can be manipulated with more ease. I also picked up sight singing and aural perception a lot easier by starting later, even though most people believe that children absorb musical concepts and experiences more effectively than adults. Despite studying classical voice, my main genre of interest is musical theatre but I also have had a resurged passion for singing Vietnamese music which I perform more than often when I get asked locally to do gigs. I will also be doing a certificate this year for Kodaly Music Education and it's primarily built around singing and choral conducting so this instrument is my most consistent and will definitely be my longest lasting commitment
University to Now- Chose ukulele as my second instrument for Semester 2. I have a uke named Edwood who I make covers with (though haven't done anything lately with how busy I've been)
I picked up uke as a part of my assessment for uni in my degree but have continued to play it and practise since. I'm not very advanced and am still working on some of the fingering placements for the harder chords but with time, I'm sure I'll improve!
University to Now- And lastly, I recently purchased a bodhran (like literally a month ago)! I've been fascinated with Celtic music since as long as I can remember and with the remainder of my scholarship money thought "why not?" I've only watched the tutorial DVD and played along here and there so my rhythms aren't at all near inspiring but I'm excited to play around with it more once things settle down a little across the board with uni and work
I think because I've always loved music, learning instruments for me has been an ongoing journey of fun! If anyone is ever feeling pressured to play their instrument, reach out to people who are willing to listen and help you navigate your musical interests (or not). It should never be a torture to engage in music and want to pick up a new skill
Angelina