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Piano
I used to know how to play the piano, in fact I was pretty good at it.
But after suffering a traumatic brain injury I no longer remember how to play at all
I’ve tried a few times since finally recovering but it’s like the connection between my brain and my fingers just isn’t there like it used to be and the notes on the sheet music kinda float around.
It’s like I’ve started over from the beginning with a higher difficulty and it’s so frustrating because I know I used to be able to play some of the super simple songs from memory.
It’s been 5 years since the head injury. I’d love to learn again, but it’s been such a struggle to even start.
Oh god, I can’t even begin to imagine what that feels like. I’m glad you recovered, but that sounds horrible to have to go through.
If you want some inspiration or hope, look up Pat Martino. After a brain haemorrhage he had to have part of his brain removed, which apparently included crucial parts relating to musicianship. He was a virtuoso before, but completely forgot how to play guitar. This was at 36 years old, but he managed to re-learn guitar enough to be considered a virtuoso once again post-haemorrhage. I think I read brain scientists were stunned, science it should have been impossible. But the brain is a fascinating organ and apparently he managed to form new neural pathways using intact tissue.
Just in case you’re not aware of him.
Pat Martino
A jazz guitarist who suffered hemorrhage and seizures in the 80s. Had to have part of his brain removed.
It took 7 years of practicing for him to return to playing properly after the amnesia.
It’s a struggle no doubt, but if you want it then it’s possible.
Having tried to pick up a new instrument in adulthood it definitely feels more difficult but to be honest the key thing I had when learning as a kid was time.
As a kid I could work at it in big chunks of time and progress that felt great. In adulthood I have to accept I’m chipping away at the rockface with how little time to put in.
It is possible to make progress though and I’ve learned to delight in the small wins.
I still play my first instrument and can’t imagine the loss I’d feel if all that work over many years went away so you really have my sympathy. But if you love it, please don’t give up.
Music is a life long hobby that’s really good for you, and that’s a valuable thing.
I see this illustrated in the anime “Your Lie in April”. The protagonist sees notes floating, but he also can’t hear the sound of the piano if he plays.
Drums
It’s easy, get some sticks and start banging on things… It’s not like us drummers are smart or talented 😁
I’ve known some drummers that were talented. Smart? Ehhh, now that’s pushing it.
What drummers DO have, though, is killer upper body stamina.
Harp. One with pickups so I can chain up some stomp pedals to it.
Have I got a YouTube channel for you!
The suspense is killing me…
Sorry, I thought you were thinking of Emily Hopkins. That’s her whole thing: https://youtube.com/@emilyharpist
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
https://piped.video/@emilyharpist
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I’m open-source; check me out at GitHub.
Saxomophone
A mandola. I already play guitar and bass guitar and I used to own a mandolin, but I really quite fancy learning a mandola.
Not so much a traditional instrument, but I would love to learn how to make music through software like Sony acid pro. I had a friend once who did it and he did some really great stuff.
The barrier to entry is lower than you think. Plenty of good free DAWs out there. I use reaper which has an unlimited free trial.
Download some plugins and you’re off to the races. I’d encourage you to jump in and give it a go
My opinion on this changes every few months. But violin or sitar are my top 2
Is a mix table an instrument? I pretty bad at music, but would love to learn how to mix music for parties and so.
Guitar. There are so many songs I love that I wish I could play. Stuff by Alan Gogoll for example. But he’s very skilled and would take years to get even close to him.
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
[https://www.piped.video/watch?v=qDObyBEMFQ4]](https://piped.video/watch?v=qDObyBEMFQ4])
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I’m open-source; check me out at GitHub.
Clarinet. And then I’d learn how to write poetry. Poetry and clarinet.
Squidward?
now i remember why i still haven’t bothered to try
Oboe. Close enough to what I already know, but the double reed would make it an interesting challenge.
If practicality, storage and transport were magically not an issue, then the harp. But I’m temporarily playing a contra-bass clarinet and that thing is a beast, so I’d not pick up large instruments going forward.
Accordian
banjo
Learn clawhammer!
Hell yeah clawhammer, all my homies love clawhammer!
Hurdy Gurdy, apparently it is normally a left handed instrument, and as a militant southpaw I like this idea.
Cello, I love the sound and atmosphere of it. But at some point you need to make choices. I’ve played the clarinet as a kid and I have piano lessons since a year or two, so for now I’ll focus on the latter. Can’t have it all. 🙂
I’m also in the want to learn cello club!