A Piero
My guitar is always leaning against the wall next to my bed and it's the first thing I pick up when I get home after school. It helps me escape my everyday worries and pressures. When I'm playing, I just focus on the music - I love it! At first I had weekly lessons at school but they weren't as enjoyable as I'd expected, which was a bit disappointing. I found the style of learning a bit too formal - I just wanted to know how to play along to my favourite songs! I personally found watching music videos a lot more fun and effective. To be honest, most of my favourite rock stars were self-taught musicians, so I think that proves you don't have to spend money on lessons. My little sister wants to play the guitar now so I'm showing her the basics.
B Aliza
I didn't start playing the violin until the last year of school. During research for a history project, I discovered that my great uncle was a well-known violinist. I think that really impressed me and pushed me to try to be the same. As well as being something I love doing, I feel playing an instrument has really helped me. I used to avoid any attention and lacked confidence. I always believed I was too shy to perform in front of people, but I remember my first concert and being surprised at how comfortable I felt on stage. I've actually just entered a national competition where the judges and the audience vote for their favourite performer. It's not until next month and I'm already feeling a bit nervous, but it would be amazing to win.
C Danny
As a young child, I always loved listening to my neighbour play the flute - it was so calming. It seems silly now, but even though I wanted to take it up myself, I was too embarrassed to have lessons. All my friends were into football or rugby and I knew they'd make fun of me. I regret not having the confidence to do what I wanted, but at least I play now. Over the years, I've definitely developed as a musician. I used to struggle when things went wrong, when I missed a note or messed up my timing during a rehearsal, or worse still, a performance! The feeling that I'd let myself and my teacher down would stay with me for ages. But now I'd say to anyone who feels this way that they should see the mistakes they make as part of the learning process.
D Chloe
I got my first drum kit for my tenth birthday. I'd wanted one for ages but my dad wasn't keen to encourage my interest as he was worried about the noise I'd make! I've now got an electric drum kit so I can plug in my headphones and play whenever I like. I loved playing the drums, but after a while it got boring practising alone and I put an advert in our local shop saying I wanted to form a band. There were so many responses to the advert - it was impossible for me to meet everyone. Choosing the band members was actually quite stressful but we've been together for a year now and meet every week in our garage. We've even been asked to play at a local event, though I'm not sure we're ready for that!
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