Beginning at age 3, when I was left for long periods of time with our radio console and record player. From age 4 to my mid-20s, I spent a good chunk of time listening to top 40 radio, amassing collections of 45 rpms and 33 lps. I walked around everywhere with my 2 transistor radio playing the songs of the day from grade 4 to 11 till it finally gave out.
Moved by the ’60s hootenany era, I picked up and learned to play a guitar beginning in grade 10, performing in high school musicals and started forming and playing in groups in university and in my first years of teaching. Later, buying electric guitars, amps, a percussion machine, and a mike allowed for many public performances and dances over the years. Up to 2002, I played each of my 30 years of teaching for student and staff functions again in programs and groups of my own creation. I have played literally for thousands of people.
Beyond 2002 when I retired, I’ve explored the depths and breadths of jazz and classical music as a listener and have collections of each, including videos. These two genres are complex, more soulful genres.
Looking back, listening to and performing music accounts for much of my life–what I have happily done and truly enjoyed. My life has been much, much richer by music and I have seen music change many other people’s lives similarly, too.