I marvel at the talents of young musicians. How they commit to learning an instrument, then play to create such joyous music. I appreciate when a musically-minded person plays a piece, which uplifts  me. You know how many hours of practice, passion and commitment was dedicated to achieve such a high standard.

It warms my heart when I listen to my nieces and nephews play their pieces with such love and compassion. The emotion of a piece always shines through. It gives me goosebumps, my right foot starts a little tap and my heart becomes so full to bursting.

trumpet

trumpet

french horn

trumpet

Being able to play an instrument is so handy. I recall some 5-6 years ago, my nephew met a lovely Irish lass when he was backpacking around America. For their engagement in Australia, my young niece played a piece on her violin which was touchingly beautiful. Now the two sisters, my nieces, from the same family play the violin.

violin

violin

In another one of my families, there are three sisters who play instruments with the youngest poised to start when she’s big enough she advises me.

January 2016, myself and two of my families enjoyed Mozart’s The Magic Flute, at the Sydney Opera House. We had front row seats and the eight student musicians in the family were mesmerised with the orchestra, as were the adults. Of course the kids also talked about  the story, the grandiose costumes, the flamboyant characters and the close up facial expressions for a week after. As I said to them, you can aspire to this high stand of being in an orchestra. Your hard work will result in whatever you want to achieve in life.

I have three musical families. When I visit they usually put on a performance. I did dabble in piano many moons ago, but nothing like the talents of these. My son did practise the obligatory recorder at primary school, and with practice he became very good. It’s all the between-practice you must endure of the numerous off notes, screeches and false starts, which sets your ears on edge. It’s what they call a protégé in the making. He continued on with the drums and sang in the choir at high school for a time. Music is such a valuable adjunct to your right brain learning. Greatly underestimated. Just like a well-balanced diet, there is such a thing as well-balanced learning.

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