music is my life

I've been thinking lately about how I want to raise my child: What do I want our life together to be like? What worked for me in my own childhood? What didn't work?

One thing that I've really appreciated having in my life is music. I remember going to family reunions where there were guitars and accordions and harmonicas and singing. And it was so much fun. If you're Mennonite, you likely know exactly what I'm talking about. If you're not Mennonite, just imagine a folk music concert in your kitchen.

As a child I was encouraged to explore my musical abilities. I have had some level of education in organ (it was the 70s), recorder, guitar and trumpet. And let's not forget all of those many, MANY years of choir practice, from the Winnipeg Mennonite Children's Choir to just about every day throughout high school, plus vocal jazz class. So I can sing, I can read music and I have a solid understanding of how musical instruments work. I love being able to understand music.

But for the last many years, I have not made music a priority. I haven't picked up an instrument or sung anything in years. I would love for my child to grow up with music in their life like I did but I would feel like a hypocrite encouraging them to practice when I don't. And I really want music in my child's life as well as my own.

So I think it's time to pick up an instrument again -- and stick to it, lessons and all. The question is: What instrument? This is where you come in. I've narrowed my choices down to a few but before I make any decisions, I'd love to hear from YOU. What instrument do you think would be awesome for me to learn? And more importantly, why is it awesome?

Comments

[Morgaine]

JAW HARP!!!!! The obvious reason... Snoopy looked so cute playing it in 'A Boy Named Charlie Brown'.
AND it fits in your pocket... how cool is that?

[Kazz]

Hey Craig, how about finding out what kind of instruments you can learn WITH your child through the Suzuki Method. I teach Suzuki violin and the mother tongue approach is a wonderful way for the child to HEAR the music and imitate it on their instruments before learning to read music. It focuses on good posture, good listening and good discipline. Also, it strongly encourages parents to learn along side their children. It's a method that encourages, nurtures the relationship between child, parent and teacher. If you want to know more, check out the link: http://suzukiassociation.org/ Let me know what you think!

[Kazz]

Also, why not pick up that guitar again? By the time your baby is old enough to remember things, they'll remember hearing you play guitar when they were small.

[Chelsea]

You should totally learn how to play the bagpipe.

[Morgaine]

Chelsea!! Are ya tryin to kill me?!!!!!!! (and the baby?) maybe if we lived on a wide expanse of Scottish hills... MAYBE...

[Sean Melrose]

I've just taken up the bagpipes...so how about the irish tin whistle or snare drum...we could duet!

[craig]

Bagpipes!? Snare drum!? How about something that won't get me evicted guys?

The Suzuki Method, however, sounds like a great idea. Thanks Kazz.

And Morgaine... jaw harp's not a bad one, but I suspect at some point SOMEONE in the house would shout 'Just stop with the BOING BOING already!'

[Nick]

Craig - my vote is for the guitar. I taught myself to play a while back and it is incredibly relaxing to sit down and learn a new song. Now depending on whether I pick up my electric or acoustic - Jen may or may not agree. As Nate gets older he is beginning to appreciate the guitar too and likes to whack the strings while I play. I like to think he is a future Jimi Hendrix! Plus, we could strum together when we have a visit!