By Helga Stokes


There can not be many people who have not wished that they could actually play a musical instrument at one point in their life. Numerous individuals have actually done something about it and made their wish come true. Its the different ways that people have made their wishes come true that have varied so much. People have learnt from film clips seen online, computer programs, and some have been taught by real people like those who have received piano instruction.

This practice was more prevalent a few decades ago, and countless children went for weekly lessons. If anyone wishes to learn an instrument there are a lot more choices in how to do so. It has to be said that the best way is still to use a teacher, at least you will be assured that you will not be getting into bad habits right from the start.

Chances in people's personal circumstances meant they had more free time. Children didn't relish the idea of sitting indoors learning scales while their friends were playing outside, so music lessons began to lose their appeal. There was a resurgence thanks to the music of the eighties. Then bands seemed to rely heavily on synthesizers and keyboards.

Children being children wanted to emulate their musical idols, in much the same way as their parents did. However for a long time people have been learning how to play. Just consider the early church meetings with bellows powered organs, or scenes from black and white films.

Just think about all of those old fashioned Christmas films, you have probably noticed the family gathering around the piano as snow falls outside. A pianist plays carols and other festive songs while the family sing. Even films which included times of hardship often depicted groups of people gathered round a pianist as they played popular songs. The same is true today, many are happy if they can play a recognisable tune.

Delving back into history the majority of English pubs would have had a piano in one of the bars for the use of customers. If a person could play they were often in for a cheap night, as their drinks were bought while they played. Unfortunately this is now a much rarer sight unless the band booked to play has a keyboard player.

It is still possible to see pianos being played on a regular basis in certain institutions. If you ever have the opportunity to see inside the communal area of a residential home for the elderly you will often see one there. Despite being of advanced years the residents quite often relish a good old-fashioned sing song, perhaps as a reminder of their formative years.

The elderly pianist is often very lucky as they still retain the suppleness in their hands and fingers. Many of their co-residents will be suffering with arthritis in their hands and fingers. Maybe the pianist has managed to avoid this ailment by constantly using their hands.

It would be a flight of fancy to imply that anyone taking piano instruction will be spared the agonies of this debilitating ailment. One thing that can be promised is that they will gain a lot of fun and satisfaction doing so. Even if you only end up being the pianist at family meetings that surely cannot be too bad.




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