I can’t regret what never occurred to me. For example, I hear of all these young people getting in their van or car and driving around touring playing music. That idea did not come into my realm of choices until I was almost 35. It just didn’t. I was on a more ‘traditional’ path. High school graduation, college, job, play a little music on the side. I did play a little music in a band called Brenda and the Wild Husbands while I was a music therapist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. (I still like that name!) But when I decided life is happening now and realized it really wasn’t a rehearsal, I started taking more risks – living more spontaneously – designing a life where I could pursue my dream of being a singer. I quit my music therapy job set out on that 9,000 mile bike trip I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that led me to the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas; a festival celebrating songwriters. I had written a couple of songs in high school and college but Kerrville really got me going. Within a couple of years in Texas, it was I who was taking off in a van for 2-3 weeks at a time. Loved it! It was a perfect time in life to have that freedom.
That’s what teaching voice, piano and guitar privately has done for me – given me the freedom and flexibility to go on tour if I want/choose. It allows me to be the singer I’ve always wanted to be. The only regret I have about my musical path is that I did not focus on becoming some hot shot lead player on SOME instrument. So, I’m working on that. Most recently, I’m studying violin and mandolin. Stay tuned. That’s how I’m alleviating regret.
I have an adult student who just started (three lessons so far). She told me she had a guitar, books, picks, everything, and it sat around for 10 years, so she sold it all. Now, 2 years later, she bought another guitar and is getting going for the first time. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with someone highly motivated. So yeah, if you regret quitting those piano lessons, or giving that guitar and all those books away, the best way to combat regret is with action. Get yourself an instrument and if you’re not a self-studier, start taking some lessons!
Or perhaps it did not occur to you to study some kind of music instrument earlier in life and now you’re living in a place, like Texas, surrounded by music and jams so you have the urge to join in. Do it! Acquire the skill. Start a new path free from regret.
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