The guitar was a big passion of mine ever since I picked it up in my sophomore year. Except, I have fallen out of practice since quarantine. Back in high school, I was involved in a class called "Instrumental Ensemble" which taught us, students, how to perform in a group setting and we played rock music. I had roles as a vocalist, guitarist, and even sound engineer for this group. I put a lot of effort into it. The band was my passion project.
Quarantine hit, and I just stopped. I could talk about my love of music and I still practiced here and there. I did a cover project or two, but the motivation? It completely vanished. Senior year was a wash, my first semester was 100% virtual and I threw in the towel. I graduated early and missed the in person portion of school in the last eight weeks. Working made me too busy to play and my guitar has collected dust. The only concerts I have these days are the personal ones where I scream to Paramore in my car. It's become a bit emotional because I pick up my guitar and tune it up every once in a while, but the will to learn a song, its gone. No more excitement of "will I get to play this for the weekly playing test?". Just there for my entertainment. I also ask myself "where can I find music friends?" Most of my former bandmates have gone on to new projects and endeavors in life- college, jobs, and moving away.
I've decided by 2022 I want to rekindle my love for the guitar. I've let my beautiful collection of guitars sit on their stands to remind me I need to play and keep up with my repertoire. When I do play, I do my best to remember the songs I played, how I played them, and the passion that went into the process. I'm remembering the hours spent and the lunch periods I sacrificed to practice more and more. I want to get to a point where I'm practically a bard on campus, writing songs on the fly or strumming chords to fit the general mood of an area. I want to start my own band, and play at the local brewery and eventually work my way up to playing the local bars. (I need to turn 21 first. The whole aging thing is kind of hard.)
Today I actually did throw myself at the guitar though for the first time in a while. It was fun to just strum chords I remember and review. I thought about how I did teach myself songs for fun and just to play for my friends. I might have to text my former guitar teacher and let him know that I'm throwing myself back at the guitar and I want to do my best again. This time for me, not the up-coming gig!
Comments
Post a Comment