Amanda the Great by Amanda El-Dweek for March 16, 2024

That’s life: a lot of push and pull.

Did you learn your approach to instrumental music at the Harold Hill Academy?

I relate. If I can’t do something perfectly and immediately, I figure I can’t ever, and give up. I told my husband that I tried to do juggling and can’t, and he replied “Yes – after minutes and minutes of practice”.

I have a PhD in music ed—and not your grandparents’ music ed—and, Amanda, your honesty and self-awareness is so very much refreshing.

And that is exactly why I don’t play an instrument today. I just didn’t have the stick-to-it-ness to learn.

Yabut…Learning to play properly will only squeeze the joy out of the process.

Maybe you can now get together with all those imaginary friends of yours and form a band! Can’t wait to hear your first concert…

Well, I know who not to offer my student bassoon.

You can’t help your personality type. Sounds like a bit of ADHD? I relate. (A “bit”, snerk!)

I learned harmonica by ear. It wasn’t too hard. I’ve had about 6 months of guitar lessons but learned most of what I know by ear. I’m not a pro quality player but I can fool some people.

I took Glockenspiel lessons for 3 years. Never figured out how to play properly. Kept hitting between the keys on two notes at once or missing entirely and getting the mallet stuck between the rows. Mastered E D C D EEE DDD E DD E D C D EEE DD E D C