Reel the Deal

Playing the Piano

Playing the piano has many benefits and helps me to stay in tune. It stimulates the brain, promotes mental sharpness and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.  I found playing an instrument to be a healthy outlet for self-expression. I self-taught myself to play the piano at 7 years old.  My mother was a classical pianist and from the age of 5 to 7, I would sit and listen to her play. I would ask continually, at what age would I be able to take piano lessons? I don’t play the waiting game too well. Therefore, I decided to take immediate action!  

My self-journey began by recording my mother when she played. This is how I learned the sound of each key. Considering my mother worked at night, I had full and exclusive autonomy to play during the day.  A few weeks went by and when my family heard piano music, they were unable to determine who was playing, my mother or me. The goal for me was to stay in tune. Not having any formal training, musical growth was difficult. You see, this was during the pre-YouTube era. My persistence to learn and grow musically was one of my first encounters of self-determination.  I learned through this experience; you can do anything you set your mind to.  Don’t let others derail you from accomplishing a goal you truly desire or enjoy. 

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Musical Setback

As the years went by, life happened.  My mother became ill and when I was 16, she passed away.  Considering the stress of losing a mother at a young age, my focus shift primarily to taking care of a grieving father, keeping my grades up so I can graduate and go to college.  My love to play the piano dwindled. I rarely had time to play, nor did I feel the same passion considering it was a joint interest I shared with my mother.  I basically fell out of tune.

Coming Full Circle

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