In Year 5, I started
to play the flute, going to school earlier than usual so I could have my
lesson, within school, without missing out on class lessons. I carried on
through Year 6, taking my Grade 2. In Year 7, when I moved to Kirkbie Kendal, I
had a new teacher which was, at first, quite unsettling, especially as I had to
leave my lessons in school to have my music lesson. In Year 8, I took my Grade
3, and stopped playing at the end of the school year.
Today, as I was
feeling particular festive, I dug out some music books and my flute, hoping to
play some Christmas songs and carols. I have played on occasion since Year 8,
but only for short bursts, or one offs, nothing more. But today, I looked at
the music and thought ‘how on earth do I play that?’ I was completely blank,
and this worried me. I had played the tunes many a time before, and had no
problem once I had learnt the tune and keys. But now, after 2 years, I had
nothing.
Once I had checked
which note was which, I was alright, and played through my favourite Christmas
songs, testing them out. Stop the Cavalry
by Jona Lewie is always fun to play on the flute.
But this made me
think; how many people stop working at a talent or a hobby, and forget all
their skills after a few years? I managed to remember the notes and ‘finger
placing’, but not easily, and it was a while before I was once again
comfortable with playing the tunes.
I can imagine a lot
of people discontinue playing instruments, for any number of reasons, and when
or if they come back to play it again, can’t remember how to do so. Will this
encourage people to try at it, or put them off?
I think if people are
put off by their memory loss, it could have recurring effects; they may not
want to pick up another hobby or interest, for fear they’ll forget everything
they learn after a period of time.
So, what I’m trying
to say is, people should keep trying at things, even if they’ve completely
forgotten everything they already learn; surely, relearning something is going
to be easier than learning it the first time?
I will keep getting
my flute out every now and then, to ensure I don’t forget absolutely
everything. Knowing me, I’ll forget everything anyway.
