When my university studies preoccupied my focus throughout my early adulthood, there was very little time in my schedule to practice my guitar, which I had started taking lessons seriously when I was around 17 or 18. I knew that music was my favorite thing in the world, and the only thing I thought would lead to a successful career. The thought of not practicing made me worry- how do I unwind after a long day of classes? Will I forget everything I've learned in the last year or so? I knew that no matter how less I played, I was going to get back at it.
Fast forward to October 2024, I did not forget a thing. After downloading the GuitarTuna app to get my machine in tune, I started to play again for 10 minutes daily, starting October 5th. I strummed a C, D, and E chord in the down, down, up motion to make some sort of rhythm. "It's like I never stopped" I reminded myself. I knew I was good at guitar because I was determined to be good. I found it to be a fun hobby, where I could keep my mind running through music.
My guitar became part of my "aesthetic" for a bit in 2018- I played on a red and white model which I nicknamed "Ruby". I always had a fashion sense with a lot of rock star edge, and the music hobby only made me more of who I am. As I mentioned in a previous bog, music was the only thing I thought about career wise, and daydreaming about being a rock star with adoring fans made me escape from the pain I felt from bullying. I just wanted to feel validated, you know? After much soul searching and deep self reflection, the desire for fame no longer controls my life, having overcome it. Since guitar has become more of a well rounded hobby for me, I feel my best when I am listening to a breezy tune that flows well with a catchy melody.
One of my proudest moments that involve music was in 2019, getting the once in a lifetime chance to play at New York City's iconic venue, The Bitter End. Along with my former music school and a group od children and teenagers I had the honor of mentoring, we played a full set of modern and vintage rock covers for a special showcase we hosted. It felt amazing to be on a stage and sharing something so special.
Music will always be something special to me. When you truly love something, no matter how far you get pulled away from it, be it due to circumstances or life changes, you can always find a path back to it, and remember why you loved it so much. Getting back at guitar will keep me busy these days, and hopefully find the balance I need to find peace while finding my purpose in life.
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