MAKING MY MELODY

IT usually takes me longer than the average person to learn anything new but this changed when I was introduced to music. As far back as I could remember music has always been a part of me. Whether I am working or not, I am singing.

This was sometimes the cause of frustration for some members of my family. My best musical moments were when I took a bath. Odd as it may seem, their criticism, barbs and playful pleadings caused me to see learning music as a challenge I had to take on. They tried to get me to change my mind but I held out.

Cathie, a good friend of mine planted the first seed.

“Boy, you always singing or whistling, best you become a musician.”
It was as easy as that. Knowing that I would encounter difficulties with my rich bass voice, I figured that a musical instrument was the best way to go.

B.S.O Paschal was a highly recommended teacher and an accomplished musician. He was a bit high-priced, but the best. I visited him and we worked out a schedule. Being a perfectionist of sorts, I was introduced to a wide range of instruments, each with a lecture I did not much care for.

“Percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, cymbals, gongs, or tam-tams are all struck, shaken or rubbed to different effect. The xylophone is one percussion instrument that has a wide range of notes.”

These lectures would usually last an entire session by the end of which I would be nodding myself to sleep.

“The wind instruments vary from tuba, french horn, trumpet, oboe, and flute to name a few. These use air from the player’s compressed lips in order to produce sound…Harps, guitars, cello and violins are famous string instruments. The violin especially is loved for its ability to produce a wide range of notes that is loved by classical music lovers. The only other instrument as popular is the piano and organ, two excellent instruments for making music.”

Choosing an instrument was easy. A piano was too big and definitely too expensive. Guitars were too common; everybody had one. I decided that I would play the violin.
For the first two weeks, my teacher smiled politely and encouraged me to work harder. I needed no second prompting. Even though strings were changed regularly I did not lose heart.

After a month, my efforts were both enthusiastic and courageous. The session was then divided into two parts. The first half hour was instruction time, the rest of the time was practice, listen etc. Because of his busy schedule, he spent most of the latter part of our session in the next room preparing for other students. He would sometimes pop in and tell me to try harder. He was impressed with my efforts. I must have been his top student for him to have the confidence to leave me alone to practice for such long periods.

The end of the first month came and I was pleasantly shocked to hear Paschal say, “I don’t have the heart to accept payment from you, Trevor.”

At least he was not afraid to show how he felt about rising talent.

I became fully engrossed in my music and was grateful for being allowed to use the guest room at home. This room was situated at the east end of the house and ideal for practice. It was self-contained and kept me out of competition at bathroom times. Sometimes I would get carried away and lose track of time only to be reminded that our neighbours had to work the next day.

My toughest challenge was playing softly. When the sound of my playing travelled to my brain I could not stop the flow of enthusiasm that surged through me. The volume and tempo would increase and cease only when I was satisfied that I had completed the piece.
Two months after I began this new endeavour I received news that my teacher was retiring and leaving the country for a much-needed rest. My feelings were torn between feeling happy for him and disappointment in not benefiting from his knowledge. He was thoughtful enough to leave me a parting note which read; ‘For a pupil that taught me much about music and the endurance of instruments. Trevor, the manufacturers would be impressed with this product. Your violin has exceeded all expectations. May your musical quest be profound.’

Though I had started music in my mid-thirties, I have never lost momentum. I intended to make Paschal proud of me. I remember looking up once during a deeply inspirational piece of playing, to find six or seven bewildered faces peering in at me. It seemed that the music teachers were paying Paschal a visit and were quite surprised by the originality and freshness of my music. I still smile when I remember the look of wonder on their faces.

The music class population must have increased tremendously because as hard as I tried I could not engage another music teacher. Classes were always overbooked and I just can’t wait forever.

I have put the violin aside for now, until things change of course. Being someone who thrives when active I am looking around for another area in which to excel.
After only four sessions with a driving school, I have called it quits. Any instructor, who would close his eyes and pray while teaching someone, should find another occupation. After all, if a policeman suddenly steps right into my path, what does he expect me to do? Stop??

And the other drivers don’t help much. All the shouting, cursing, honking horns and screeching tyres: Didn’t they have to learn to drive too? Even though I have stopped driving, my work is being used as a teaching tool, I am told. Wow!! I feel that I am destined for greatness. Maybe flying will bring this quest to a fitting climax.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.