But I embrace the fear and try to feel it to the fullest. I know that it is a sign of something good. It means that I am investing myself in this journey out of my comfort zone.
On Day 1 of my going out of my comfort zone Lisa suggested that I would perhaps get an instructor to help me with some basic steps about playing the piano. No. I am stepping out of my comfort zone on my own. Of course, my husband is always here to guide me and support me.
The piano I am using, a Yamaha YPT-310
has about 100 built-in songs and fantastic interactive features which allow even a beginner like me to learn by herself.Here is how it goes. I choose a song and turn on the learning setting. The piano then shows me on its little screen which keys to press with the right hand while it is playing the left hand. Once I master the right one, I will switch to learning the left one.
Easy, right? No. Not for me.
I love the melody I chose. In the little booklet that comes with the piano it says it is a traditional song. Nothing more. But that is enough for a first step out of my comfort zone. At least I know the name.
I sit in front of the piano, shivering with excitement and fear. I have nothing to lose and my fingers are eager to follow along with the melody I've been playing for 20 minutes already. I picture myself skillful enough to press the right keys at the right moment.
It doesn't happen though. I stumble, I cannot even follow what the screen shows me.
I try again.
And again.
Step by step, chord by chord.
I cannot keep the rhythm, I keep on forgetting which key follows which.
An hour passes and my heart is beating fast. I know that to a musician this might sound like a disaster but I am so proud of myself. I can manage hitting the first five notes of the song.
I understand now why musicians need hours a day to practice. I am so engulfed by the process that I don't care about the time. I want to learn fast, I want to conquer this!
Easier said than done.
Let's see how Day 3 will go.
How about you? Do you recognize the feelings I describe? Have you felt the urge to jump-learn something that you have previously feared?
Follow the rest of my journey:
Day 1
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
My heartfelt apology, Sonya, if I inadvertently offended you in any way with my instructor comment. I'm not sure if I can blame my fuzzy brain on chemo or age or if it's just that somehow while reading your Part 1 post, my brain didn't focus on the part about learning to play the piano on your own similar to how you taught yourself to knit, but that crucial part of the equation obviously wasn't in my head when I wrote my comment. I'm very sorry if I came across sounding like you needed an instructor because it wasn't what I meant, and going it on your own I still say "I know you can do it!" <3
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa, I should apologize for the way I put that "No" in my post today. Of course you didn't offend me! I just wanted to stress the fact that I am recklessly doing this on my own. There were a few more comments after yours from people who, unlike me, know more about music and who also suggested that my task will be harder to achieve without an instructor and I am thankful to you and to them! I am far from the thought that I can teach myself music just like I did knitting. But I will take these first steps alone and see how it goes in the future.
DeleteBut again, please forgive me if the tone in my today's post made you feel bad. What I feel for you is respect and gratefulness for being so supportive!
Sonya, I understand and wish you all the best as you take these brave first steps. May they take you a fulfilling distance along your desired path "outside the comfort zone!" That you're taking these steps is what's most important. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support, Lisa. I cherish your virtual friendship!
DeleteThat's a fancy piano! I took piano lessons for years as a child, but haven't even tried to play in soooo many years. I think I've forgotten everything I learned. Maybe one day I will learn again. Playing an instrument is a great joy, though, at any age. I'm happy that you are doing this Sonya! It does take a lot of practice, but at the same time, you can lose yourself in it probably like the way you feel when you are taking photos. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! Yes, you are completely right, I am losing myself in a way that reminds photographing and yet it is so different! I don't even remember how I decided to do this but am so grateful I did!
DeleteI think the more you play, and the more days you do it, the more natural it will feel. It's not really a natural position that we hold our hands in. Soon you'll be playing in front of other people, no prob. :) Also, I like how your Yamaha shows you the notes on a staff as you play--so you can learn the music theory, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, Rachel, you gave me such a precious idea! I have to play for you guys, let's see if I can make the piano record my pathetic tries! Yes, it shows the notes but I am sooo insecure right now and unable to focus on more than what it shows me to press and my finger afterwards...
DeleteI love the idea of you sharing your progress with us.
DeleteYou would have a devoted virtual audience! :)
I can already start visualizing a virtual concert! Thanks, Ana!
DeleteWhat a lovely idea! I used to play at piano when I was in elementary school and should have kept it up.
ReplyDeleteWell, this means that I might use a tip or two from you! Thank you for following along!
DeleteHow fantastic! Well done Sonya! I would love to learn the piano too, such a beautiful instrument. Plus it's so great that you'll be able to hear how well you're out of your comfort zone with every step ... and by the time you're done you'll be able to put on a show! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteLet's see if there will be anything to play on the concert! Thank you for supporting me all the way!
DeleteFirst steps are hard, but you are on your way to success.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired