Journal Reflection #2
A Musical Autobiography Part One
Beginning my journey into harp therapy includes reflective journaling which is a delight for me to do.
I have never written a musical autobiography, yet music has been a contribution to my sanity I believe. It never crossed my mind to write about my musical experiences other than one essay about Mrs. Barnes.
I shall use the questions that Bedside Harp provided in their introductory packet.
This reflection will be several entries.
What is my first musical memory? My mother played piano and sang with a beautiful alto voice. I have a very distinct memory being in Grandpa Hoffner’s church pretending I could read the hymnbook and “singing” along with the congregation. Or perhaps I was humming and wishing I could read the words.
I wonder if I made up words and was “sshhhed” for disturbing the sanctity.
Nowadays in church I sing loudly and am surprised when I can still hit the high E.
Love those old hymns.
Did you get to play an instrument, take dance lessons, etc.? Yes, I was able to take piano lessons from the age of seven or eight onward. I walked down the block to Mrs. Barnes’ home weekly for a thirty minute lesson with change totaling less than a dollar.
I took my lesson in her sunroom on her small Wurlitzer piano that had a Solovox attached. The machine intrigued me and I got to try it just a few times.
When recitals loomed we were allowed to rehearse on her baby grand in the living room where the eventual recital would be held. She also had a large floor-standing marimba in the sunroom. I believe her daughter played that instrument. I never knew the daughter as she was probably a teenager or older. For many years I had my original spiral notebooks with her flowery writing and specific assignments. My curriculum was John W Schaum and I progressed through every book. My lessons with Mrs. Barnes ended at some point in junior high when I tried Mrs. Aschenbrenner’s methodology. There were also some organ lessons from Mrs. A as she was our church organist.
What feedback did I receive from teachers and family members? I do not recall receiving feedback although I am quite certain my parents enjoyed my piano practicing, thirty minutes daily. Later I wondered why I never majored in piano performance in college. I was never led to pursue that path probably because I did not have the fortitude nor the abilities required for such a commitment. I just wasn’t at the top of the game, so to speak. However, I have advanced and continued lessons in my adult life for many years.
(to be continued)
No comments:
Post a Comment