Have you thought about playing an instrument only to make countless excuses including too old, too time-consuming, was not born a music prodigy? Me too! I’ve struggled for years trying to figure out how to fit in time for music while managing a busy family law firm. Admittedly, I thought Google research would enlighten me on how to fit in time for music. There are only 24 hours in a day so no magic there. Sleep less? Schedule time on the calendar to play guitar? Oh, and somehow manage to find time for your family. As I was trying to solve this “short on time” dilemma (ahem excuse), I had an ‘aha’ moment that moved me to take action. I went to my daughter’s middle school choir performance. It struck me that the choir teacher, who held a doctorate in music, was playing multiple instruments while directing the choir. The music and singing were beyond words. I could hardly believe that my daughter and her friends sounded like performers in a professional Broadway musical. Dr. Fried’s multi-instrumental talent and leadership armed me with a new objective-- to bring music into my life. It’s not just the dopamine impact on the brain or “moving the molecules” or sensations, it’s the joy it brings into my life. With new inspiration, I scoured websites to see how to propel my new love of music forward.
My journey began when I enrolled in an online class at Berklee Music (Massachusetts). Professor John Kellogg’s MB 101 was a great place to start my journey. As an adult learner, it was intimidating to be in an online Music Business 101 class which required participation by video. Being over 50, I was not particularly enamored at the idea of being on camera with younger musicians who were “real deal” musicians. I felt like a poseur. The most I could do was strum some C major and A Minor and D and G chords. Listening to reports from some of the students who were performing on the weekends in real venues, I would not even dare suggest that I was a guitar player. In my mind, strumming guitar chords did not count. The student advisors at Berklee Music were very supportive when I explained my situation. They gave me the confidence to believe that there were no impediments to my success. With the new armor of courage, I continued with the class and worked really hard. I sacrificed my weekends and stayed up late after work to get the class assignments completed. I sat with baited breath waiting to watch the professor’s videos and read the new class assignments. The ultimate geek. I know. When the class ended, though I got an “A” in the class, I was so sad to lose the weekly contact with my professor and classmates. I haven’t yet signed up for a new Berklee Music class, yet. It’s on my radar. For now, I am watching MasterClass. I first started listening to Chris Voss on Negotiations, which was helpful for my divorce mediation practice. But…drum roll please… then when I heard Carlos Santana, I was mesmerized and blown away. I played some of the class sections twice just to hear Santana play bended notes. I’m geeking out again. From there, I listened to Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock and Danny Elfman on music scoring.
I hired a Berklee grad who is a Westlake Village music teacher, Marcos, to learn guitar fundamentals. I tried Guitar Tricks, an online course too. That was a pretty cool site, but I wasn’t really able to “up my game” without a professional instructor. I am now moving through Berklee Basic Guitar, Phase 1. Marcos keeps joking that pretty soon I’ll be ready for my first gig. Not! But, I have made some progress over the past year. I am now learning how to record both guitar and vocals as well as MIDI. I have an audio interface. Two months ago, I never even heard of an audio interface. Thankfully, my husband, a professional drummer, was able to set me up with my own recording equipment. It’s still a low tech set up right in the middle of my home office.
So, I can be on a Zoom video call handling a divorce mediation while working from home during Covid19. Right behind my iMac computer is an audio interface and microphone, guitar and music stand. I love being surrounded by my music. I am worried sometimes that if I turn the laptop too much to one side, that my clients will see my entire music set up.
This week, my guitar instructor asked me to write my first simple melody. I’m writing my blog instead. Procrastinating. What inspires the very first melody? I have no idea. My mind is blank. How do I know if I’m ripping off someone else’s melody? My mind races. Soon, I’ll just start humming something and hope for the best. Started looking at YouTube videos about how to create a melody. It’s a never ending quest.
My journey is ongoing. I still trying to figure out what my goal is. I watched a documentary about Clive Davis. Wish I could have an opportunity like Clive. Or, produce like Rick Rubin or others. What is that song by Aerosmith “Dream On”. All kidding aside, for now I just want to be able to live fully. I’m holding on to the idea that “it’s never too late” and you should “live your dream”. I would encourage readers to take up a new hobby, eliminate the excuses, and just have fun.
Lisa Zonder is a City Lifestyle Ambassador. She works out of Westlake Village, CA or her home office.