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?
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