Bite the Bullet
What I Learned From My First Adult Guitar Class
By Elise Ainley
This week I joined the new Group Guitar for Adults class being offered at The Piano Studio. It was a really great experience for me, so I thought I would share it.
My family is in the phase of life where my husband and I feel much of our time spent outside of work is devoted to the kids. We have a 5-year old daughter who just started JK this past Fall; we are supposed to read with her every day; she takes a weekly dance class and has started asking for “playdates”. Our son is 10 years old; he plays hockey, attends a mid-week program at church and occasionally has homework. And, of course they both take piano lessons! We spend time arranging childcare for the weekends when we have to work or the kids have a PA day or when the after-school babysitter is sick. We do our best to carve out time to connect with them and read up on our “parenting” when new issues arise. We attempt to keep the house clean and functional and to keep on top of the laundry. I am sure this sounds very familiar to many who might be reading.
As adults, it can be difficult to carve out time for something that is “just for us”. Personally, I feel guilty taking time to do something that does not cross anything off THE LIST. I worry that I will not make the time to practice and will be embarrassed at my next lesson. There are other stumbling blocks adults might face when considering learning a new skill – fear of failing, financial stress, a heavy workload at work, finding the time.
While I have a musical background, I have never tried to play the guitar. I’ve watched my brothers play and have admired our guitar teachers at work immensely. I’ve seen people just pick up and start playing and thought, “I wish I could do that!” I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.
I loved the class!
My Top 5 take-aways:
1. I met some very nice people. There are currently 3 other students in the class and they were all so friendly yet also feeling the same anxious feelings I was.
2. It was easier than I thought. Granted, this was only week 1. However, the teacher, Andrew, explained things clearly and everything made sense. Even though he is a professional musician, Andrew is very down-to-earth while also being passionate about his love for guitar.
3. I left wanting more. I was excited to show my family what I learned and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next week.
4. It was refreshing. Even though I understand music, it has been years since I’ve been in a classroom environment as a student and it felt refreshing to use my brain in a new way.
5. I felt really good when I left.
We have all heard the benefits to learning a new skill as an adult; it is good for mental health, self-care, preventing Alzheimer’s, etc. The results for me remain to be seen, I suppose. All I know today, however, is that I am glad I went and can’t wait to go back!
